System and method of providing auctions and real-time bidding for users of platforms operating on a rewards-based, universal, integrated code base

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is a plurality of computer servers operating a rewards-based, universal, integrated code base in which each respective platform operating on the code base agrees to an information exchange, payment and rewards framework. The rewards-based, universal, integrated code base is a single code base including an aggregation of each respective platform and which enables at least one or more of rewards, payments and data sharing between each respective platform in the rewards-based, universal, integrated code base such that users do not open or close different platforms. The rewards-based, universal, integrated code base includes an auction management module that enables users to participate in real-time auctions in novel ways.

RELATED CASES

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 17/355,648, filed Jun. 23, 2021, for SYSTEM AND METHOD OFPROVIDING A REWARDS-BASED, UNIVERSAL, INTEGRATED CODE BASE, which isincorporated herein by reference. The subject matter of this disclosurerelates to U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 17/355,542; 17/355,464;17/355,437; 17/355,388; and 17/355,343, all of which are filed on Jun.23, 2021, the content of each of these applications is incorporatedherein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The subject matter of this disclosure relates to a new framework thatcan replace the Internet, websites, cloud computing infrastructure,operating systems and applications. The new framework involves codingapplications (called “platforms” herein), websites, operating systems,operational modules and so forth as part of one integrated code basethat enables interactive actions, such as rewards, reviews, payments andnovel approaches to data sharing and management, between variousplatforms in ways not possible in the current structure of the Internet.This disclosure particularly focuses on auctions and how they are usedin the context of the rewards-based, universal, integrated code basedisclosed herein. The present technology also pertains to an improvedprocess for providing real-time bidding for any product or service.

BACKGROUND

One popular approach to adding particular functionality to a mobiledevice such as an Apple® iPhone® is through downloading an applicationor an “app” from an “app store.” An app store is any digital storefront(such as from Apple®, for example) intended to allow users to search andreview software titles or other media offered for sale and which are tobe downloaded electronically to the user device. FIG. 1A illustrates thegeneral concept of the computing systems in a network 100 used to managethe development and distribution of traditional applications. Developersupload applications 104, 106, 108 to the app store 102 such that userscan thereafter download and use the applications on their mobile devices110, 112, 114. In the network 100 shown, the app store 102 can beoperated by any company such as Apple®, Google®, or any other entity.For example, developer 1 may program a first application 104 and uploadthe first application 104 over the Internet 116 to the app store 102 toenable users to electronically purchase and download the application. Afirst device 110 operated by user 1 downloads the first application 104over the Internet 116. Developer 2 develops and uploads a secondapplication 106 to the app store 102. The second application 106 can bedownloading by a second user to a second user device 112. A thirddeveloper develops a third application 108 that is uploaded over theInternet 116 to the app store 102 and downloaded by the third user to athird user device 114. The app store 102 itself provides a secure,uniform experience that automates the electronic purchase, decryptionand installation of software applications or other digital media.

The app store 102 typically organizes the applications 104, 106, 108 itoffers based on: the function(s) provided by the app (including games,multimedia or productivity), the device for which the app was designed,and the operating system on which the app will run. In the case ofApple®, there is a complicated set of steps to enable a developer toupload (ingest) an app to the app store 102. For example, the developermust create an iTunes® account, configure their X-Code project fordistribution, archive a copy of the application, run validation tests,upload the application, and then submit a version of the application forreview. Once the application is approved, the developer is essentiallyon their own. The application 104, 106, 108 in the app store 102operates as a stand-alone application which is offered for download fromthe app store 102, but no additional services or functionality isprovided by the app store 102. Thus, typical app stores 102 are managedby their owners and often require submissions of prospective apps to gothrough such an approval process. The proposed apps 104, 106, 108 areinspected for compliance with certain guidelines (i.e., quality controland censorship), including the requirement that a commission becollected on each sale of a paid app. Some app stores 102 providefeedback to developers, such as a number of installations and report onissues that might arise, such as latency issues, causes of a crash, etc.However, such services are limited and most functions and capabilitiesare the responsibility of the developer of the application 104, 106,108.

In some cases, an application programming interface (API) might beprovided through such companies as Stripe® and the like to enablefunctionality such as payments. For example, applications canincorporate software code to provide access to Apple Pay® APIs as anoption within their application 104, 106, 108. However, such APIs arelimited and focus only on a few basic features.

In circumstances where a function is offered via a company, such asStripe®, in order to enable or implement the functionality, API callsmust be made to a separate entity. For example, FIG. 1A shows a userdevice 114 that has downloaded an application 108 that uses a Stripe®payment process available from a Stripe server 118. An API 120 will makecalls to the Stripe server 118, which will respond with data to achievethe payment. In this environment 100, there are a number of differentcomputer systems that have been involved in his entire process. First,the developers utilize their own computer systems to develop therespective applications 104, 106, 108. A separate computer systemoperates the app store 102. Yet again a separate payment server 118might be offered by Stripe® or some other service provider.Additionally, each user device 110, 112, 114 is a separate computingdevice in the system. There is no mechanism for these devices orapplications to communicate in an efficient manner as the devices andapplications are in separate silos and in some cases managed by separatecompanies. While users can browse through different app categories inthe app store 102, view information about each app (such as reviews orratings), and acquire the app (including app purchase, if necessary),there is little other functionality offered by the app store 102 otherthan a platform for downloading respective apps 104, 106, 108. Theselected app is offered as an automatic download, after which the appinstalls on the user device 110, 112, 114.

App stores 102 typically provide a way for users to give reviews andratings. The reviews are useful for other users, developers, and appstore owners. The reviews and ratings, however, are in a simplified formand of limited use. Users can select the best apps based on ratings.Developers get feedback on what features are praised or disliked. Appstore owners can detect bad apps and malicious developers byautomatically analyzing the reviews with data mining techniques. Otherthan providing some limited services such as reviews and thedistribution platform, the app store 102 typically provides very littleto a respective app developer.

FIG. 1B illustrates a cloud computing or web hosting environment 130. Inthe cloud computing environment 130, a number of different cloud clientssuch as laptops 132, mobile devices 134 or desktop computers or servers136 can interact via the Internet 116 with the cloud computingenvironment 138. The cloud clients 132, 134, 136 can access the cloud138 via a web browser, mobile applications, a thin client, a terminalemulator, or other approaches. The cloud environment can be structuredwith various different types of service models to provide computingresources to cloud clients 132, 134, 136.

One example service model is shown in FIG. 1B, which includes variousservices or applications made available to the cloud clients 132, 134,136. Software as a service (SaaS 140) provides the capability to thecustomer to use the provider's applications running in the cloudcomputing environment 138. The applications are accessible from variousclient devices 132, 134, 136 through a thin client interface such as aweb browser. In this scenario, the consumer does not manage or controlthe underlying cloud infrastructure including networks, servers,operating systems, storage or even individual application capabilities.Cloud providers manage the infrastructure and platforms, run theapplications, and may use virtual machines at runtime to clone theapplications to meet changing work demands. The applications aretypically run independently of each other.

The cloud computing environment 138 can also include another serviceapproach called a Platform as a Service (PaaS 142) component. In a PaaS142 environment, consumer-created or acquired applications are createdusing programming languages, libraries, services and tools supported bythe provider. The consumer in this case can have control over thedeployed applications and possibly configuration settings in theapplication hosting environment. The PaaS 142 can provide an executionruntime, database, a Web server and development tools for customers, butthey all remain within their own separate physical or virtualenvironment.

Another service provided in the cloud computing environment 138 can bean Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS 144) component, which refers toonline services that provide high level application programminginterfaces (APIs) used to abstract low-level details of underlyingnetwork infrastructure by physical compute resources, location, datapartitioning, scaling, security, backup and so forth. A hypervisor canrun virtual machines as guests. The IaaS 144 can operate where theconsumer is able to deploy and run arbitrary software, which can includeoperating systems and applications. In this scenario, the consumer doesnot manage or control the underlying cloud computing environment 138 buthas control over operating systems, storage and deployment and offerslimited control of selected networking components. The IaaS 144 canprovide virtual machines, servers, storage, load balancers and networkcapabilities to consumers but in this approach one consumer does nothave access to another consumer's applications.

In each of these service scenarios, the various applications, operatingsystems and so forth are isolated from one another for respectiveconsumers. For example, a compute environment 152 associated with thedevice 132 is shown as being separate from a compute environment 154associated with device 134 and compute environment 156 associated withdevice 136. Each consumer environment is established separately and thevarious service approaches 140, 142, 144 do not provide interactionsbetween the applications. Other services 146, 148, 150 can berepresented as well within the cloud computing environment 138, butagain, the cloud computing environment 138 is generally arranged toprovide separate applications with the computing resources needed tooperate.

The cloud computing environment 138 can also represent a public orexternal cloud, which can be delivered over the public Internet 116 andcan be offered by a paid subscription or free of charge. Hybrid cloudsinvolve the composition of the public cloud computing environment 138and a private environment that can be represented by the server 136,which might be on the premises of a company and which in some cases mayserve the company needs but have the ability to burst or expand into thepublic cloud 138 for additional compute resources as needed on demand.

In each of these cloud environments 138, the respective consumerapplications can be segregated or siloed in their own virtual orphysical environments 152, 154, 156 in a similar manner to private orinternal computing environments that might be on a company premises butwhich is simply moved into a broader and more efficient cloud computingenvironment 138. The various applications and web hosting or otherprocessing that occur are still subject to data security and compliancerequirements such that the processing occurs in secure, separatedenvironments 152, 154, 156 at least virtually and in some casesphysically.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order to describe the manner in which the above-recited and otheradvantages and features of the disclosure can be obtained, a moreparticular description of the principles briefly described above will berendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof that areillustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawingsdepict only exemplary embodiments of the disclosure and are nottherefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the principlesherein are described and explained with additional specificity anddetail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1A illustrates a prior art app store for processing anddistributing applications;

FIG. 1B illustrates a prior art cloud computing environment;

FIG. 2A illustrates a new networking environment including arewards-based, universal, integrated code base according to an aspect ofthis disclosure;

FIG. 2B illustrates data management in the rewards-based, universal,integrated code base code base;

FIG. 3 illustrates an example computing device architecture, inaccordance with some examples;

FIG. 4 illustrates a method embodiment related to the overall systemoperations;

FIG. 5 illustrates another method embodiment;

FIG. 6A illustrates another method embodiment related to datamanagement;

FIG. 6B illustrates another method embodiment related to operationsperformed by an authorized user device;

FIG. 7A illustrates a method example of how auctions are performed froma standpoint of the rewards-based, universal, integrated code base;

FIG. 7B illustrates an example method from the standpoint of therewards-based, universal, integrated code base;

FIG. 7C illustrates another example method from the standpoint of anauthorized user device; and

FIGS. 8A-O illustrate various user interfaces associated with auctionsfor users to purchase products or services.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various embodiments of the disclosure are discussed in detail below.While specific implementations are discussed, it should be understoodthat this is done for illustration purposes only. A person skilled inthe relevant art will recognize that other components and configurationsmay be used without parting from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

Additional features and advantages of the disclosure will be set forthin the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from thedescription, or can be learned by practice of the herein disclosedprinciples. The features and advantages of the disclosure can berealized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinationsparticularly pointed out in the appended claims. These and otherfeatures of the disclosure will become more fully apparent from thefollowing description and appended claims or can be learned by thepractice of the principles set forth herein.

OVERVIEW

As noted above, both the approach of the distribution of applicationsvia the app store 102 and the use of a cloud computing environment 138hinder the interoperability of applications. The present structure anduse of applications result in a separation of applications from otherapplications for various reasons. What is needed in the art is anentirely new structure to replace the traditional app store 102 andcloud computing environment 138 and that provides users and developers amuch greater degree of interaction and interoperability betweenrespective applications 104, 106, 108. In this context, the term“application” is no longer used in this disclosure because the functionsand operations available from the disclose environment differ from thetraditional approach. Accordingly, the terms “application” and “app” arereplaced with the term “platform”. Therefore, rather than talking abouta social media app, or a ride-based application such as Uber® or Lyft®,this disclosure describes platforms. Platforms in this context includefunctionality that might have some similar or comparable operations toapplications of any type and which are available from the app store 102.However, the platforms disclosed herein will have additional or novelfunctions because each respective platform is integrated into arewards-based, universal, integrated code base. The rewards-based,universal, integrated code base is a single code base that encompassesall of the developed platforms plus one of more different modules thatprovide new functions across the different platforms. The platforms andmodules are also built into the same single code base rather than beingdistributed in separate or siloed applications or websites, which do notprovide for horizontal interactivity amongst the applications orwebsites as is presented herein. Only authorized user devices (mobiledevices, tablets, desktop computers, laptops, servers, point of saledevices, cars, watches, Internet of Things appliances, and so forth),are allowed through a communication module and via an encryptedcommunication channel into the rewards-based, universal, integrated codebase for access to the platforms, modules and general functionality. Insum, a number of additional capabilities and services across differentplatforms becomes possible by integrating all the platforms and servicemodules into the same rewards-based, universal, integrated code base. Byway of example, by configuring platforms within with the rewards-based,universal, integrated code base, users can access and manipulateplatforms in completely new ways, user data can be shared and managed innovel ways across platforms and with other data, rewards forinteractions with and use of platforms can be provided in novel ways andpayments become more simplified. Many new capabilities are disclosedherein by the use of the rewards-based, universal, integrated code baserather than separating applications into their own silo or managing userapplications and data in the traditional cloud computing environment.

This disclosure introduces the new system and provides details about itsstructure and operations. In one aspect, the “system” includes aplurality of network-based servers, data storage devices, user devicesthat are each authorized to access the code base, platforms that arecomparable to applications but provide functions that are built into therewards-based, universal, integrated code base, modules forcommunicating with external devices like the authorized user devices,external websites whether authorized or unauthorized, merchantpoint-of-sale systems and merchant servers, or other external entities.This disclosure will provide details about the underlying rewards-based,universal, integrated code base, a data management module that providesdetails regarding new techniques for managing and sharing data acrossplatforms in the rewards-based, universal, integrated code base, as wellas other platforms and modules. Generally, platforms can be comparableto applications in the app store but are integrated into therewards-based, universal, integrated code base described herein and thusgain new functionality not currently possible. Modules generally aredescribed herein as providing new functions across the variousplatforms. For example, a review module, a payments module, or a rewardsmodule can provide new services across all the platforms built into therewards-based, universal, integrated code base. Again, because all theplatforms are built into the same rewards-based, universal, integratedcode base rather than being siloed separately, new interactions becomeenabled that will be described herein. In some aspects, the system canbe called a new “ecosystem,” as the various functions, platforms andauthorized websites are all integrated into one system for additionalinteractive functions.

The present disclosure focuses on auctions in the context of platformsoperating on the rewards-based, universal, integrated code base. Anauction management module can enable, due to the unique relationshipamongst platforms, new ways of providing auctions to users that did notexist in the prior network environment. Given the unique relationshipbetween platforms operating on the rewards-based, universal, integratedcode base and authorized user devices granted authority to access thoseplatforms, real-time auctions can be presented with novel auctionprocesses which are disclosed herein. This disclosure develops variousaspects of real-time auctions including the particular interactionsbetween bidders and sellers that are enabled by the user interfaces andcapabilities disclosed herein.

The rewards-based, universal, integrated code base is discussed first,followed by data sharing concepts within the rewards-based, universal,integrated code base and then the auction and real-time bidding conceptsare introduced.

Rewards-Based, Universal, Integrated Code Base

As noted above, the proposed structure to address the issues raised iscalled a rewards-based, universal, integrated code base in which asingle code base includes all of the various functions that previouslywere allocated or made available to apps, or even across websites. Inthis case, rather than a developer writing X-Code and uploading it forapproval to the app-store 102, the concepts or desired functionalitywould be provided to the entity managing the system. The desired codewould be added directly to the entire rewards-based, universal,integrated code base. In this regard, the “app” would exist directly onthe code base of new system (corresponding to the old version orapplication). The new platform would be built into the rewards-based,universal, integrated code base, which would enable interoperability ofany piece of data associated with the new platform with any other pieceof data of any other platform or user within the system.

In one aspect, the system can include a plurality of network-basedcomputer servers, a plurality of devices, and a rewards-based,universal, integrated code base operating across the plurality ofnetwork-based computer servers and the plurality of devices. Therewards-based, universal, integrated code base can include one or morecomponents or modules that enable its operation and provide variousfunctions not previously contemplated or possible in the currentstructure of the Internet and the application environment. Variousmodules will be introduced and any embodiment of this disclosure caninclude the servers, memory devices, authorized user devices, and theintegrated code base with any one or more of the modules and/orplatforms described herein. Generally, a platform is comparable to anapplication in the old traditional approach. Developers can provide codeor ask that code be developed to provide a social media platform, ridemanagement platform, editing platform and so forth. Generally, modulesdescribed herein provide services and capabilities offered across theuse of the platforms, such as reviews, rewards for interacting with orusing platforms, payments on platforms and so forth. Several possiblemodules will be introduced next.

An entry point module can be configured as part of the system to receivenew merchants or user participants into the rewards-based, universal,integrated code base in which each respective new merchant agrees to apayment and data sharing framework in which a rebate is provided to abuyer of a product or service from the respective new merchant and areferral payment is made to a referring member who referred the buyer tothe respective new merchant.

A rewards management module can be configured to connect a reader of acomment or message written via use of a platform (that enables messagingof any type and configured within the rewards-based, universal,integrated code base) to a merchant associated with the comment and toprovide a referral reward to the writer upon the reader making apurchase from the merchant. For example, a reward can be paid to awriter of a message or a writer of a review if an authorized buyerpurchases a product or service from an authorized user (merchant) basedon an interaction with the message or review.

Another module can include a universal username management moduleconfigured to enable a single sign up for users of the rewards-based,universal, integrated code base such that platforms and/or websitesaccessed after users sign into the rewards-based, universal, integratedcode base are accessible through a single universal username across allthe platforms and/or websites within the rewards-based, universal,integrated code base. The universal username does not change for theuser but passwords and other authorizations such as for variousbusinesses, employees, social media interactions, and so forth canchange and can also be tied to the universal username in a tree-likestructure. The universal username is used for everything across therewards-based, universal, integrated code base.

Yet another module can include a data privacy management moduleconfigured, upon a specific user signing up, to provide an encryptedaccount on the plurality of network-based computer servers to accessdata that the rewards-based, universal, integrated code base hascollected on the specific user across one or more platforms or websites,to yield collected data. The data privacy management module can enablethe specific user to delete any or all of the collected data and toinform the specific user regarding an impact of deleting any or all ofthe collected data on rewards provided to the specific user forinteracting with platforms or websites across the rewards-based,universal, integrated code base. Users can also get a preview ofexpected reward they may earn based on a level of data sharing that theyauthorize.

In one aspect, existing applications or websites may also communicatewith the rewards-based, universal, integrated code base. These can beeither authorized (have entered into an agreement for data sharing) orunauthorized. The level of functionality can be limited for externalapplications or website and the level can also depend on whether theapplication or website is authorized or not. Full functionality asdisclosed herein, however, in one aspect is only available to platformsprogrammed into the rewards-based, universal, integrated code base. Itis contemplated that a user device would be a key component to enablinga secure encrypted communication from the user device to therewards-based, universal, integrated code base and then to communicationwith external applications or websites with limited functionality. Asnoted, the rewards-based, universal, integrated code base would enable,because of its single code base that encompasses all internal platforms(relative to external applications and websites), interoperability andthe full functionality currently not available inasmuch as applications,as they presently exist, operate independently of one another and haveno mechanism of sharing data such as rewards, photos, comments,payments, and so forth.

Thus, in one scenario, a social media application like Facebook® or amerchant application like Walmart® could have an interface to therewards-based, universal, integrated code base, but the user, throughtheir special user device, would access the rewards-based, universal,integrated code base for social media interactions or to purchaseproducts but may never directly engage with Walmart® or Facebook®. Thefunctionality of these sites or applications would be made availablethrough the rewards-based, universal, integrated code base, which addsnew capabilities including a rewards-based interaction. Some additionalfunctionality could be provided to unauthorized or authorized sites orapplications such as overlay graphical and selectable objects that theuser may select to obtain some benefits offered by the rewards-based,universal, integrated code base. When an authorized device accesses anexternal application or website, the device can interact directly withthe application or website via, for example, a browser, but because theauthorized device accesses the site through the rewards-based,universal, integrated code base, overlay options are presented inaddition to the underlying site interface.

The communication flow between an authorized user device and the systemincluding any platforms (applications) that might be accessed and usedby the authorized user device is different from the flow of data incommunication links in the traditional approach. Since the combinedplatforms are all operating on the same code base, the authorized userdevice only needs to communicate with the system and with no other acts,websites, or other entities. Developers and other entities would obtainauthorization to be integrated into the rewards-based, universal,integrated code base and thus interact with the individual authorizeduser devices through the system.

In one example, the capabilities offered by the rewards-based,universal, integrated code base include aggregating platforms, combiningplatforms, grouping platforms, a simplified payment process acrossplatforms, rewards provided to individuals across the platform and for avariety of different interactions, such as for providing comments,reviews, and likes. By providing the rewards-based, universal,integrated code base, the approach disclosed herein introduces anentirely new concept for how users will interact with the computingenvironment. In the old process, a user would open an application,perform a function or buy a product, and close the application only toopen up another application. The applications had no mechanism ofinteracting with each other and were separated in terms of their programbase and how they were stored on a user device. The new rewards-based,universal, integrated code base enables users to seamlessly move fromone platform to another and introduces an interoperability amongstplatforms that currently does not exist. Thus, the concept of openingand closing individual applications for accessing separate individualwebsites no longer applies. Conceptually, every platform, every website,every merchant, that joins the rewards-based, universal, integrated codebase will receive and accept a level of interoperability simply notpossible in the current structure of the Internet. In one sense, all theplatforms are always open or always on and thus access, combining,manipulation or data usage will differ across the different platforms.

Any merchant or entity that joins the rewards-based, universal,integrated code base will be provided with the capability of enablingusers to easily switch platforms, make payments on platforms, provideand receive rewards for user interactions related to that merchant orentity, have their data aggregated with other data or other platforms asdesired by the user, and so forth. In other words, merchant or entitiesthat enter into the rewards-based, universal, integrated code base willbe given greater functionality that developers who upload apps to theapp store have no ability to obtain.

A method example can include one or more of the following steps in anyorder. The method can include receiving, via entry point moduleconfigured to receive new merchant participants into a rewards-based,universal, integrated code base, data regarding a new platform to beconfigured in the rewards-based, universal, integrated code base andadding, based on the data, the new platform to the rewards-based,universal, integrated code base. The rewards-based, universal,integrated code base can include, after the adding, the new platform andpreviously added platforms. The method can further include enabling thenew platform to exchange information with each of the previously addedplatforms. Each respective new entity agrees to an information exchangeframework for a respective platform associated with the respective newentity. The method includes providing, via the rewards-based, universal,integrated code base, one or more of rewards for a user deviceinteracting with the new platform or the previously added platforms, anability for an authorized user device to make payments in the newplatform or the previously added platforms, an ability to aggregate oneor more of the new platform or the previously added platforms, anability to combine one or more of the new platform or the previouslyadded platforms, and an ability switch between one or more of the newplatform or the previously added platforms. Merchants can have theability to enter into a group of merchants which can provide sharedbenefits and additional functionality to consumers as well.

Data Management in the Rewards-Based, Universal, Integrated Code Base

Another aspect of this disclosure relates to a data management modulethat provides novel ways in which data can be shared within therewards-based, universal, integrated code base. Data (videos, images,text, files, documents, etc.) can be uploaded once to the memory storagedevices associated with the servers operating the rewards-based,universal, integrated code base. That data becomes easily availableacross the various platforms and functions available to a user. Forexample, once the data is uploaded, it becomes available to social mediaprocesses, texting/messaging/emailing processes, authorized websites andplatforms, and so forth. The capability of that data being accessibleacross the rewards-based, universal, integrated code base is a novelfeature disclosed herein.

All users, merchants, or participants in the rewards-based, universal,integrated code base can give all or limited access to their data toanyone or everyone. Users can also give independent access to their dataas well. The selection of how much access to give can impact a user'srewards and information about the “cost” of limiting access can beprovided to the user. For example, the more data a user shares, the morerewards the user can receive. The user through a user portal can controland manage a privacy level for their data. However, increased privacycan result in less rewards being provided to the user.

Because users are not opening an application or accessing a website inthe normal fashion, and because the platforms within the rewards-based,universal, integrated code base as well as the data management moduleare all integrated, user data, such as images or videos, can beintegrated, moved, or deployed to individual platforms from a centralstorage location.

The data management module configured in the rewards-based, universal,integrated code base can be used to manage data and how it can be sharedfrom a central location or data storage to any one or more of the userplatforms, sites and so forth. An example method performed by the datamanagement module can include receiving, at a plurality of network-basedcomputer servers operating the rewards-based, universal, integrated codebase, data from an authorized user device of a user, the user having atop level username for use in the rewards-based, universal, integratedcode base. The user can provide the data, such as an image, text file,document or video or other data, from their authorized user device tothe system. Once the data is posted or uploaded to the rewards-based,universal, integrated code base, it can be easily used on a platform, ahosted website, in an email, a message, a social media site, etc. Userscan, for example, upload a document or edit a document and via adrop-down menu or a command, can promulgate the new document or changesto an existing document across one or more platforms in therewards-based, universal, integrated code base. Users no longer have todrag and drop documents and they do not need to go to a platform orsite, open it, and make edits in the normal fashion.

The authorized user device is authorized to access and use therewards-based, universal, integrated code base. The method can includestoring, in a data storage memory device associated with the pluralityof network-based computer servers and based on the top level username,the data for the user and receiving a command from the user to performan action on the data. The action can be related to using the data on aplatform associated with the user, the platform operating as part of therewards-based, universal, integrated code base. The platform ownershipcan be assigned to the top level username of the user. The method canthen include performing, based on the command and exclusively in therewards-based, universal, integrated code base, the action on the dataof the user related to the platform. In one example, the action can beto take a new photo (such as of a summer menu) associated with amerchant, such as a restaurant, and to replace an old photo (such as thephoto of the spring menu) on a platform or website of the merchant.Tagging of the photos or document can be used as part of the command.Changes to documents or files can also be dynamically promulgated acrossmultiple platforms (having data related to the document tor file) via asingle drop-down menu selection or single command.

Thus, a command can be “replace the spring menu with the summer menu”and the data management module can utilize the command and replace theold photo with the new photo across one or more platforms or sites.Because the platforms and the data management module operate as part ofthe same single rewards-based, universal, integrated code base, the userno longer has to open up a platform or go to a site and drag and drop ormanually replace images. The data can be any type of data which caninclude text (replace the May 1, 2021 lead story with the May 2, 2021lead story). Wherever the user has a defined piece of data acrossdifferent platforms or sites, the piece of data can be replaced byanother piece of data through one command.

Real-Time Auctions and the Auction/Real-Time Bidding Management Module

Disclosed herein is a new approach for offering real-time auctions tosellers and bidders or buyers each having an authorized user device thatis enabled to access platforms operating in the rewards-based,universal, integrated code base. The primary functions are managed by anauction/real-time bidding management module operating on therewards-based, universal, integrated code base and which provides theauction capabilities to any user desiring to sell any item to otherusers of the system. In one aspect, the auction/real-time biddingmanagement module offers the auction capability to platforms that aremerchants. In another aspect, the auction capabilities are offered alsoto any user who might simply want to sell an item of their own to otherusers of the system. Embodiments of this disclosure can relate to theauction/real-time bidding management module itself operating on aplurality of servers in connection with the rewards-based, universal,integrated code base. Other embodiments can relate to authorize userdevices and the operations performed on an authorized user device byeither a bidder/buyer or a seller each having their respectiveauthorized user device which is used to interact with the system toeither initiate an auction to sell an item or service or to bid on anitem or service.

In one aspect, a method of performing an auction relates to theoperations from the standpoint of an auction/real-time biddingmanagement module on the rewards-based, universal, integrated code base.A method can include one or more steps of receiving, from an interactionwith a seller user interface of a seller authorized user device, anindication that a seller using the seller authorized user device desiresto start a real-time auction. The seller user interface can present aplatform associated with a top level username of the seller, theplatform operating on a rewards-based, universal, integrated code basewith a plurality of other platforms. The method can further includereceiving, from the seller, an identification of a product or servicefor sale in the real-time auction, receiving, from the seller, aselection of a price and a length of time the real-time auction is torun and receiving, from a bidder interacting with a bidder authorizeduser device, a request to enter the real-time auction, wherein thebidder authorized user device is authorized to participate in therewards-based, universal, integrated code base.

The method can further include presenting, based on the request to enterthe real-time auction, a bidder user interface on the bidder authorizeduser device, the bidder user interface having a bid field and a timingobject associated with the length of time, receiving a bid from thebidder in the bid field of the bidder user interface, and presenting, onthe seller user interface of the seller authorized user device, alisting of the bid from the bidder and other bids from other bidders, ifany, to yield one or more bidder object. Each bidder object of the oneor more bidder object can include a respective seller counter object anda respective seller accept object. The method can further includereceiving, from the seller user interface, when the seller selects therespective seller counter object, a seller bid back price in response tothe bid from the bidder and bids from the other bidders, if any, whereinthe seller bid back price is associated with a user selection of one ormore of the bidder and other bidders.

Furthermore, the method can include transmitting to the bidderauthorized user device and each respective other bidder authorized userdevice, if any, the seller bid back price and the timing object and arespective bidder counter object and a respective bidder accept object.When one of the bidder or the other bidders interacts with therespective accept bidder object on their respective bidder authorizeduser device or respective other bidder authorized user device to yield abuyer, the method include completing a sale of the product or servicefrom the seller to the buyer. When none of the bidder or the otherbidders interacts with the respective bidder accept object, and when theseller receives one or more bidder counter back bids from the bidder orthe other bidders, the method includes presenting the one or more biddercounter back bids on the seller authorized user device and when theseller accepts a respective bidder counter back bid from the one or morebidder counter back bids on the seller authorized user device to yieldthe buyer, the method includes completing the sale of the product orservice from the seller to the buyer.

In another aspect, a method of performing an auction can includereceiving, from an interaction with a seller user interface of a sellerauthorized user device, an indication that the seller desires to start areal-time auction, wherein the seller user interface presents a platformassociated with a top level username of the seller, the platformoperating on a rewards-based, universal, integrated code base with aplurality of other platforms, receiving, from the seller, anidentification of a product or service for sale in the real-timeauction, receiving, from the seller, a selection of a price for theproduct or service and receiving, from a respective bidder of aplurality of bidders, each respective bidder interacting with arespective bidder authorized user device, a respective request to enterthe real-time auction, wherein each respective bidder authorized userdevice is authorized to participate in the rewards-based, universal,integrated code base.

The method can then include presenting, based on the respective requestto enter the real-time auction, a respective bidder user interface onthe respective bidder authorized user device, the respective bidder userinterface having a respective bid field and a respective timing object,receiving a respective bid from the respective bidder in the respectivebid field of the respective bidder user interface, and presenting on theseller user interface of the seller authorized user device, a listing ofthe respective bid for each respective bidder, wherein each respectivebid in the listing can include a respective seller counter object and arespective seller accept object for the seller to select if desired.

The method can include, when the seller accepts one bid from the listingof the respective bid for each respective bidder to yield a buyer,completing a sale of the product or service to the buyer. When theseller does not accept any bid from the listing of the respective bidfor each respective bidder, the method further can include receiving,from the seller and on the seller user interface, a seller bid backprice in response to the listing of the respective bid for eachrespective bidder, iterating between a current seller bid back pricebeing received and transmitted to currently remaining bidder authorizeduser devices and a current bidder bid back price being received andtransmitted to the seller authorized user device until either the selleraccepts the current bidder bid back price or one of the respectivebidders associated with the currently remaining bidder authorized userdevices accepts the current seller bid back price and, based on anacceptance by the seller or the buyer from the respective biddersassociated with the currently remaining bidder authorized user devicesof the sale of the product or service, completing the sale of theproduct or service from the seller to the buyer.

An example system can include a plurality of network-based computerservers, a plurality of authorized user devices, a rewards-based,universal, integrated code base operating across the plurality ofnetwork-based computer servers for use by the plurality of user devicesand an auction management module operating on the rewards-based,universal, integrated code base. The auction management module isconfigured to perform operations which can include receiving, from aninteraction with a seller user interface of a seller authorized userdevice of the plurality of authorized user devices, an indication that aseller desires to start a real-time auction, receiving, from the sellerauthorized user device, an identification of a product or service forsale in the real-time auction, receiving, from the seller authorizeduser device, a selection of a price and a length of time the real-timeauction is to run, and receiving, from a bidder authorized user deviceassociated with a bidder, a request to enter the real-time auction,wherein the bidder authorized user device is authorized to participatein the rewards-based, universal, integrated code base.

The operations can further include presenting, based on the request toenter the real-time auction, a bidder user interface on the bidderauthorized user device, the bidder user interface having a bid field anda timing object, receiving a bid from the bidder in the bid field of thebidder user interface, and presenting on the seller user interface ofthe seller authorized user device, a listing of the bid from the bidderand other bids from other bidders, if any, to yield one or more bidderobject. Each bidder object of the one or more bidder object can includea respective seller counter object and a respective seller acceptobject. The operations can further include receiving, from the sellerand on the seller user interface, a seller bid back price in response tothe bid from the bidder and bids from the other bidders, if any, whereinthe seller bid back price is associated with a user-selectable one ormore of the bidder and other bidders.

The operations can further include transmitting to the bidder authorizeduser device and each respective other bidder authorized user device, ifany, the seller bid back price and the timing object and a respectivebidder counter object and a respective bidder accept object. When one ofthe bidder or the other bidders interacts with the respective bidderaccept object on their respective bidder authorized user device orrespective other bidder authorized user device to yield a buyer, theoperations can include completing a sale of the product or service fromthe seller to the buyer. When none of the bidder or the other biddersinteracts with the respective bidder accept object, and when the sellerreceives one or more bidder counter back bids from the bidder or theother bidders, the operations can include presenting the one or morebidder counter back bids on the seller authorized user device. When theseller accepts a respective bidder counter back bid from the one or morebidder counter back bids on the seller authorized user device to yieldthe buyer, the operations can include completing the sale of the productor service from the seller to the buyer.

As noted above, an embodiment related to actions can include anauthorized user device. In this regard, the authorized user device caninclude a processor and an access component enabling the authorized userdevice to communication with a plurality of network-based computerservers that operate a rewards-based, universal, integrated code basefor use by the authorized user device and a plurality of otherauthorized user devices. The authorized user device can also include abidder user interface operating on the authorized user device, thebidder user interface being transmitted to the authorized user devicefrom an auction management module operating on the rewards-based,universal, integrated code base and can include at least a timing objectand a bid field. The authorized user device is configured to performoperations including transmitting, from a respective bidder of aplurality of bidders, the respective bidder interacting with theauthorized user device, a request to enter a real-time auction, whereina seller using a seller authorized user device initiated the real-timeauction by identifying a product or a service for sale, a price and alength of time the auction is to run, the length of time being indicatedin the timing object on the bidder user interface, transmitting, to theauction management module operating on the rewards-based, universal,integrated code base, a bid from the bidder in the bid field of thebidder user interface, wherein a seller user interface of a sellerauthorized user device presents a listing of the bid for the bidder andother bids of other bidders, wherein each respective bid in the listingcan include a respective seller counter object and a respective selleraccept object for the seller to select if desired. When the seller doesnot accept any bid from the listing of the bid for the bidder and otherbids of other bidders, the operations can include receiving andpresenting on the bidder user interface, a seller bid back price. Theauction management module can iterate between a current seller bid backprice being received and transmitted to currently remaining bidderauthorized user devices and a current bidder bid back price beingreceived and transmitted to the seller authorized user device untileither the seller accepts the current bidder bid back price or one ofthe respective bidders associated with the currently remaining bidderauthorized user devices accepts the current seller bid back price. Whenthe bidder accepts the current seller bid back price to convert thebidder to a buyer, the operations can include completing a sale of theproduct or service from the seller to the buyer utilizing a paymentprocess applying one or more of earned rewards by the buyer byinteracting with platforms in the rewards-based, universal, integratedcode base, fiat currency or cryptocurrency.

DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

Disclosed herein are systems, methods, and computer-readable media whichcan include a number of different innovations. In some cases, theinnovations disclosed herein can operate in a current networkenvironment, such as the Internet for an app store, on websites or onuser devices in general. In other aspects of this disclosure, platformswith specific functionality might be required to operate in the contextof a new networking system as introduced above as the rewards-based,universal, integrated code base. FIGS. 2A and 2B introduce therewards-based, universal, integrated code base and authorized userdevices that interact with the rewards-based, universal, integrated codebase, as well as the data management module for managing data in the newenvironment. Basic computer components shown in FIG. 3 can be applied aspart of a plurality of network-based servers, memory or data storagedevices, authorized user devices or other computer components used inthe context of the rewards-based, universal, integrated code base. Thus,if a particular concept requires the rewards-based, universal,integrated code base, such requirement will be made explicit. Theconcepts can be operable in any computing environment including thecomputing environments described herein which, when programmed toperform the operations disclosed herein, become special purpose computersystems.

As shown in FIG. 2A, a system 200 can include a plurality ofnetwork-based servers (represented as servers 202 and which use one ormore of the computer system shown in FIG. 3) that run the rewards-based,universal, integrated code base 203. The rewards-based, universal,integrated code base 203 is a single code base that has certain novelcharacteristics and features made available through the integration ofall the platforms (formerly applications) into the same code base. Thenew structure is called the rewards-based, universal, integrated codebase 203 because, as a single code base, includes at least some of thevarious functions that previously were allocated or made available toapps, or even across websites. New modules 230, 232, 234, 236, 238, 240,242, 244, 246, 248, 250 provide interoperative and interactive functionsto all of the various platforms 218A-K on the rewards-based, universal,integrated code base 203. What shall be introduced is an entirely newinfrastructure for how users interact with the environment and performthe tasks that they desire, while including, by way of example, arewards-based approach which grants users rewards for doing varioustasks (such as rating, providing a review, commenting or messaging) thatcurrently they perform on the traditional Internet or apps without anycompensation.

This disclosure describes the new rewards-based, universal, integratedcode base 203 operating on the network-based servers 202 as well asvarious platforms 218A-K (comparable to apps but with differentfunctionality) and modules that provide services across the variousplatforms. The disclosure will describe the underlying code base,modules and touch on various platforms and can include more specificdetails as one or more embodiments of a particular platform, authorizeduser device, or module. Further, user devices 204, 206, 208, 210, 212,214, 216 are “authorized” to access the platforms on the rewards-based,universal, integrated code base 203 in various ways such as through ahardware secure element or software license or access code. Onceauthorized, the authorized user devices 204, 206, 208, 210, 212, 214,216 can be “always on” in that they immediately provide the access tothe rewards-based, universal, integrated code base 203 without the userlogging in every time.

In the new rewards-based, universal, integrated code base 203, thedesired functionality would be provided by the entity managing therewards-based, universal, integrated code base 203 rather than adeveloper 220, 222 or merchant 224, 226 writing X-Code for anapplication and uploading it for approval to the app store. The desiredcode would be added directly to the entire rewards-based, universal,integrated code base 203 as a new platform. In this regard, the newplatform would exist directly on the rewards-based, universal,integrated code base 203. The new platform would be built into therewards-based, universal, integrated code base 203, which would enable anumber of new functions available to the new platform that are notavailable or possible to obtain for apps in the app store or websiteshosted in the traditional manner. For example, the data managementmodule 236 can manage interoperability of any piece of data (stored on adata storage device 315 such as is shown in FIG. 3) associated with thenew platform with any other piece of data of any other platform or userwithin the system. Note in FIG. 2A that the platforms 218A-K are shownas covering functions, such as gaming 218A, social media 218B, ridemanagement 218C, photos 218D, email 218E, shopping 218F, media 218G,phone 218H, web or application hosting 218I or other platforms orfunctions. Each of these platforms 218A-K is shown as being included aspart of the rewards-based, universal, integrated code base 203. Thehosting component 218I can be considered as combining, within therewards-based, universal, integrated code base 203 all of thefunctionality of a Dropbox®, plus AWS® (Amazon Web Services) and GoogleDrive® where both the data storage plus the hosting of sites orplatforms (applications) are combined to enable the sharing of datastored in one location across different hosted platforms in ways notpossible when these different services are divided across differentcompanies.

Other functionality is contemplated as being included within therewards-based, universal, integrated code base 203 and the platformsshown are only provided by way of example. Other example platforms canbe implemented as well as the list is an example list. The plurality ofplatforms can include one or more of the platforms 218A-K as well asplatforms related to video usage, image usage, merchant sales,messaging, map usage, website access, camera usage, payment processes,microphone usage and sensor usage. Indeed, any app existing orcontemplated could be added as a platform in the rewards-based,universal, integrated code base 203 which would provide the existingfunctionality of the application but would also add new functionalitywithin the rewards-based, universal, integrated code base 203.

Access to the rewards-based, universal, integrated code base 203 iscontrolled. In a traditional scenario, for example, anycomputer-implemented device can use a browser to type in a universalresource locator (URL) and access a website of a merchant or otherentity. Any device can access the app store and download applications asdesired. However, the operation of the new rewards-based, universal,integrated code base 203 differs. Only authorized user devices canaccess the rewards-based, universal, integrated code base 203 and theplatforms or functions available therefrom. In one aspect, authorizeduser devices 204, 206, 208, 210, 212, 214, 216 are terminals to enable auser to access the rewards-based, universal, integrated code base 203.The rewards-based, universal, integrated code base 203 provides a userinterface to all the platforms and provides the related functionality.The rewards-based, universal, integrated code base 203 does not download“applications” to the authorized user device 204, 206, 208, 210, 212,214, 216.

In another aspect, some of all the functionality could be downloaded toan authorized user device 208 and all the interactivity, rewards,payments and so forth could be maintained as well for that platform. Forexample, a gaming platform 218A or any platform could download code tothe authorized user device 208 so that a user could play the game andhave some or all of the functionality of the gaming platform 218Aavailable offline.

However, it is preferred that the plurality of network-based servers 202store all of the source code for the various platforms 218A-K such thatthe authorized user device 204, 206, 208, 210, 212, 214, 216 onlyreceives the user interface from the plurality of network-based servers202. In this manner, several advantages are experienced. The number ofdata calls which will need to be executed from downloaded applicationson the user device can be eliminated. Software updates that need to bedownloaded to respective user devices can be eliminated in that anynecessary updating of the respective platform 218A-K can occur withinthe rewards-based, universal, integrated code base 203. No updatedapplication code needs to be downloaded to a respective device. In thecurrent Internet structure, for example, each time an operating systemneeds an update, every single mobile device or other computing devicerunning the operating system will receive a download of an operatingsystem update, which requires an enormous amount of bandwidth over time.

The advantage of keeping the platform code on the rewards-based,universal, integrated code base 203 and not downloading the code to theauthorized user devices 204, 206, 208, 210, 212, 214, 216 improve theuse of the user devices in a number of different ways. For example, anauthorized user device 204, 206, 208, 210, 212, 214, 216 can experiencean extended battery life because the authorized user device 204, 206,208, 210, 212, 214, 216 is only used generally to receive a graphicaluser interface from the plurality of network-based servers 202. Complexdata processing that might be required via a downloaded application asshown in FIG. 1A can be eliminated. Thus, the amount of data processedby the authorized user device 204, 206, 208, 210, 212, 214, 216 and theamount of data transmitted over the Internet or other wirelesscommunication link can be reduced dramatically by only passing a userinterface and eliminating other data communications which are currentlyclogging communication channels. The performance of the respectiveauthorized user device 204, 206, 208, 210, 212, 214, 216 can also beimproved in that the main processing power occurs in the plurality ofnetwork-based servers 202.

Each time a user accesses the rewards-based, universal, integrated codebase 203 via their authorized user device 204, 206, 208, 210, 212, 214,216, there is no need for an upload of data or a download of anyapplication updates. Any necessary update occurs in the rewards-based,universal, integrated code base 203 already and the user interface thatis presented on the authorized user device 204, 206, 208, 210, 212, 214,216 represents the very latest version of the underlying platform218A-K.

Authorizing a respective user device 204, 206, 208, 210, 212, 214, 216to enable access to the rewards-based, universal, integrated code base203 can occur in a number of different ways. Note that in many instanceshere, the authorized user device 208 is referenced to represent any ofthe authorized user devices 204, 206, 208, 210, 212, 214, 216 shown inFIG. 2A.

An authorization component such as a secure key or token can begenerated on the respective user device to enable access through acommunication module 229 to the rewards-based, universal, integratedcode base 203. A top level username could be part of the authorizationcomponent as well. The authorized user device 208 may have a hardwarecomponent 350 shown in FIG. 3 (such as a secure element that stores apayment token in iPhones®) that provides the authorization to access therewards-based, universal, integrated code base 203. The top levelusername, for example, could be stored as a token in a secure element oraccess hardware 350 as part of an authorization component. Theauthorization component 350 can be hardware, software, firmware, orother data. Upon seeking a connection, the system 200 can access orcheck the hardware component 350 and its configuration prior to allowingaccess. Other devices (iPhones®, Samsung® devices, etc.) cannot behacked to enable access to the rewards-based, universal, integrated codebase 203. In another aspect, a software component might be included inan operating system or a downloaded application to the authorized userdevice 204, 206, 208, 210, 212, 214, 216 or might be a license key orother secure data that is checked prior to granting access.

The authorized user device 204, 206, 208, 210, 212, 214, 216 can also beconfigured in an “always on” scenario where the user may choose a toplevel username and optionally a password and register or log on when theauthorized user device 204, 206, 208, 210, 212, 214, 216 is first used.Thereafter, the user does not have to log on every time as theauthorized user device 208 might always be accessible automaticallyuntil the user manually logs out. Thus, every time the user uses theauthorized user device 204, 206, 208, 210, 212, 214, 216, the userautomatically has access to the rewards-based, universal, integratedcode base 203 without manually entering a username or a password.Biometrics can be used as well to open the authorized user device 204,206, 208, 210, 212, 214, 216 or unlock the device which can then beautomatically connected to the rewards-based, universal, integrated codebase 203. Biometric systems can include a finger or face scanner, avoice recognition system, iris scanner and/or a multi-modal input system(finger print plus password, for example) or other biometric input.

In any event, the authorized user device 204, 206, 208, 210, 212, 214,216, in one aspect, is exclusive to be able to access the rewards-based,universal, integrated code base 203. When the authorized user device204, 206, 208, 210, 212, 214, 216 connects to the communication module229, the communication module 229 can verify that the proper hardware350 is found on the authorized user device 204, 206, 208, 210, 212, 214,216 or that the proper software, password, token, code or license isprovided and grant or deny access. The communication module 229 can beconfigured to manage communication between any of the plurality ofauthorized user devices 204, 206, 208, 210, 212, 214, 216.

Note that, in some cases, the authorized user device 208 is discussed asa short-hand example of any one or more of the various types of userdevices 204, 206, 208, 210, 212, 214, 216 shown in FIG. 2A.

In another aspect, any authorized user device 208 could receive alicense or the technical capability to gain access to the rewards-based,universal, integrated code base 203. No matter what the mechanism is forauthorizing a respective user device 208, the principle is that notevery device can simply gain access to the rewards-based, universal,integrated code base 203 in the same manner as a device that accesses awebsite via a browser or downloads an application.

In one aspect, a user needs to sign up for and register to obtain a toplevel username for access to and use of the capabilities of therewards-based, universal, integrated code base 203. The top levelusername can be used for both a user to access the rewards-based,universal, integrated code base 203 as well as for a user to provide ormanage one of the platforms 218A-K in the rewards-based, universal,integrated code base 203. From the top level username, other usernamesor passwords can be provided in a tree-like structure. Thus, one usermight generally gain access through a top level username, and thendevelop a number of different platforms that each can have an associatedusername or password that is connected to the top level username.Employees or managers associated with a platform 218A-K or a business224, 226, 228 could receive passwords or other data connected (likebranches to a tree) to the top level username for performing operationsor actions for the user with the top level username. Rewards can beassociated with the top level username and any subservient, connectedusernames as well.

The authorized user device can be a home unit 204, a tablet, desktop orlaptop 206, a mobile user device 208, an appliance Internet-of-Thingsdevice 210, a smart vehicle 212, a watch 214, a pair of smartglasses 216or other device that will interact with the rewards-based, universal,integrated code base 203. The home unit 204 can be, for example, adevice having similar functionality to Google Home® from Google® orAlexa® from Amazon® or Siri® from Apple® in which a user typicallyinteracts with the device 204 via speech commands. As noted, theauthorized user device 208 (representing all the user devices) can havea hardware or firmware component 350 that enables access to therewards-based, universal, integrated code base 203 or a softwaresolution, keyword, password, token, or other mechanism can beimplemented to enable authorized use. In one example, communicationbetween the authorized user device 208 and the rewards-based, universal,integrated code base 203 can be encrypted and only users who haveauthorized user devices 208 would be able to access the rewards-based,universal, integrated code base 203. In one aspect, each user agrees toprovide data sharing and processing of their information andinteractions within the rewards-based, universal, integrated code base203 to enable the rewards to be provided for them and/or others as wellas other data sharing capabilities. Such an agreement is not used inregular apps or when users utilize a browser to access websites in thesame context.

The amount of code on the authorized user device 208 is contemplated asbeing minimal. Although this is not a requirement of the structuredisclosed herein, in one preferred aspect, the authorized user device208 does not store computer code in the same manner as existing mobiledevices will store downloaded apps. For example, mobile devices 110,112, 114 typically have downloaded applications 104, 106, 108 storedthereon with the respective functionality of those applications. SeeFIG. 1A. While this is a possibility in the present disclosure whereperhaps a substantial amount of code related to the various platforms ofthe rewards-based, universal, integrated code base 203 might bedownloaded onto respective user device 208, it is contemplated that theuser interface and ability of the user to interact with therewards-based, universal, integrated code base 203 will be substantiallyor purely based on user interface features being served from therewards-based, universal, integrated code base 203 operating on theplurality of servers 202. In this regard, the authorized user device 208might have minimal programming and all platforms and functionality wouldbe provided from the rewards-based, universal, integrated code base 203through the communication module 229.

One embodiment disclosed herein can be an authorized user device 204,206, 208, 210, 212, 214, 216 that can be configured with anauthorization component that enables access to the plurality of servers202 and the rewards-based, universal, integrated code base 203. Anauthorized user device can include (as is shown in FIG. 3) a processor310, an authorization component or access hardware 350 and acomputer-readable storage device 315, the computer-readable storagedevice storing instructions which, when executed by the processor 310,cause the processor 310 to perform operations including accessing, basedon the authorization component 350 and via a communications module 229,a plurality of network-based computer servers 202 that operate arewards-based, universal, integrated code base 203. The rewards-based,universal, integrated code base can include a plurality of integratedplatforms 218A-J (which can be third-party or operated or owned by thesame entity operating the rewards-based, universal, integrated code base203) and enables at least one or more of rewards, payments and datasharing between the plurality of integrated platforms 218A-J. Theoperations can further include interacting with at least one of theplurality of integrated platforms 218A-J via a downloaded user interfacein which the plurality of network-based computer servers 202 does notdownload application code to the authorized user device 208 andparticipating, based on the use of the authorized user device 208 havingthe authorization component 350, in at least one of receiving rewards,making payments and sharing data amongst other users in therewards-based, universal, integrated code base 203.

The authorization component 350 can include a hardware component, afirmware component or a software component. The authorization componentfurther can include or store the top level username associated with theauthorized user device as well as other related usernames and passcodesrelated in a variety of different ways, such as a tree structure.

In one aspect, the overall system 200 can include a plurality ofnetwork-based computer servers 202, a plurality of authorized userdevices 204, 206, 208, 210, 212, 214, 216 and a rewards-based,universal, integrated code base 203 operating across the plurality ofnetwork-based computer servers and the plurality of authorized userdevices 204, 206, 208, 210, 212, 214, 216. The rewards-based, universal,integrated code base 203 can include one or more components, platformsand/or modules that enable its operation. An entry pointmodule/management 230 can be configured as part of the system to receivenew merchant participants (see Merchant 1 224, Merchant 2 226) into therewards-based, universal, integrated code base 203 in which eachrespective new merchant agrees to a payment framework in which a rebateis provided to a buyer of a product or service from the respective newmerchant and a referral payment is made to a referring member whoreferred the buyer to the respective new merchant. This is part of therewards component of the system, which is discussed next. Rewards can beprovided across all interactions within the platforms 218A-K in thesystem 200. For example, users may view plain text from a website or amessage that causes or leads the user to purchase a product or service,which can trigger a rewards to the author of the text. Interactions withimages, videos or social media postings and instant messages can alltrigger rewards if acted upon by readers.

A rewards management module 232 can be configured to connect a reader ofa comment or message made by a writer in a platform configured withinthe rewards-based, universal, integrated code base 203 to a merchantassociated with the comment and to provide a referral reward to thewriter upon the reader making a purchase from the merchant. The overallsystem is “rewards-based” because the various platforms have integratedfunction through the modules disclosed herein. Rewards for users andbusinesses can be provided for any kind of interaction within theecosystem 200. As platforms 218A-K (i.e., merchant/business platforms aswell as others) are integrated into the rewards-based, universal,integrated code base 203, new rewards sharing, giving, spending andreceiving can be enabled across the platforms 219A-K and users in waysnot possible under the current Internet structure. Merchants 224, 226participating in the rewards-based, universal, integrated code base 203agree to the universal spending of rewards, receiving payment at leastin part using rewards, and the sharing of data according to the privacyprotocols on their platform or site 218A-K.

For example, a first user might send a message referencing Disneyland inpassing. Another second user might read that message and then booktickets to Disneyland. As the system is set up with the rewardsmanagement module 232, the system can track the message (i.e., the wordsused) of the first user and the later purchase by the second user(related to the words in the message) and the first user can obtain areward for mentioning Disneyland in the message if it results to adirect purchase.

Another module can include a universal username management module 234configured to enable a single sign up for users of the rewards-based,universal, integrated code base 203 such that platforms and/or websitesaccessed after users sign into the rewards-based, universal, integratedcode base 203 are accessible through a single password (which can becalled a top level password) across all the platforms and/or websiteswithin the rewards-based, universal, integrated code base 203. Theuniversal username management module 234 can also manage additional,related passwords, usernames, codes and so forth for users that branchoff from the top level password in a tree-like structure. Thus, a usercan generate or obtain other passwords for related activities within thesystem 200, such as for various platforms they may have. The passwordsrelated to the top level username can be given to employees, managers orother individuals associated with the user's platforms. The universaltop level username does not change for the user but passwords and otherauthorizations such as for various businesses, employees, social mediainteractions, and so forth can change and can also be tied to theuniversal username in a tree-like structure. The universal username isused for everything across the rewards-based, universal, integrated codebase. Authorized hardware will always have users and platform initiallyand constantly logged in unless users and platforms choose to log out.

Yet another module can include a data/privacy/file storage managementmodule 236 configured, upon a specific user signing up, to provide anencrypted account on the plurality of network-based computer servers 202to access data that the rewards-based, universal, integrated code base203 has collected on the specific user across one or more platforms orwebsites, to yield collected data. The data/privacy/file storagemanagement module 236 enables the specific user to delete any or all ofthe collected data and to inform the specific user regarding an impactof deleting any or all of the collected data would have on rewardsprovided to the specific user for interacting with platforms or websitesacross the rewards-based, universal, integrated code base 203.

Furthermore, the user can be asked in advance permission to supply suchdata and be given approximations of what rewards they could earn if theyallow usage of their data. This can be done through algorithms and othermeans such as general information familiar to the user like age, gender,shopping history, amount of referred users they have, etc. This can alsobe done at different levels. For example, a user might providepermission to share a small amount of data and be given theapproximation of rewards for sharing that amount of data. A slidingscale or range could be offered to the user such that the user couldbalance the level of data sharing to the expected rewards associatedwith each respective level of data sharing.

In the rewards-based, universal, integrated code base 203, eachrespective user will know, based on algorithmic patterns and with datapresented to the user, what opting into certain data collections couldearn them in estimated rewards. The data management aspect of thismodule 236 is discussed more fully below as well with respect to howdata is stored in one location and made available across the ecosystem200 in new ways that are not possible now without opening and closingplatforms or websites.

In one aspect, existing external data sources or websites 254, 256, 258,260, 262 may also communicate with users at least in part through therewards-based, universal, integrated code base 203. Accessing suchexternal platforms is structured differently from internally managedplatforms 218A-K or internally hosted websites 218I. It is contemplatedthat the authorized user device 208 (representing all user devices 204,206, 208, 210, 212, 214, 216) would be a key component to enabling asecure encrypted communication from the authorized user device 208 tothe rewards-based, universal, integrated code base 203 either forinternally hosted platforms and/or websites 218A-K or for extrafunctionality made available for interactions with external websites254, 256, 258, 260, 262 or other platforms/applications external to therewards-based, universal, integrated code base 203.

External websites or applications 254, 256, 258, 260, 262 generally fallinto two categories. Website 1 254 and website 2 256 can be standardwebsites that have no relationship or agreement with the rewards-based,universal, integrated code base 203 (or entity operating therewards-based, universal, integrated code base 203). In this regard,they are deemed non-approved sites 264. Users of authorized user devices208 can access regular websites 254, 256 in the normal fashion using abrowser on their respective user device 208. However, since the regularwebsites 254, 256 do not have a data-sharing and payment or rewardsagreement in place, a non-approved entity module 225 does provide someadditional overlay and additional capabilities available to authorizeduser devices 208, but not the complete rewards based or enhancedfunctionality that other external sites 258, 260, 262 and the internalplatforms and sites 218A-K enjoy.

In one example, a keyword on website 1 254 might be “Disneyland.” Whilepresenting to the user device 208 that graphical images for website 1254, the non-approved entity module 225 might present or overlay agraphical notification indicating that there is additional data orrewards-based opportunity available to the user that can be accessed ifthe user clicks on the graphical notification. The non-approved entitymodule 225 can provide additional overlay functionality for theauthorized user device 208, through the rewards-based, universal,integrated code base 203, when the authorized user device 208 interactswith the unauthorized third-party entity 254, 256. When a user goes to anon-approved site 254, 256, and types in the address bar of a browser,the rewards-based, universal, integrated code base 203 is running thesearch function and knows the site where the user is going. Theauthorized user device 208 accesses the rewards-based, universal,integrated code base 203 and then goes from the rewards-based,universal, integrated code base 203 to the non-approved sites 254, 256.In this manner, the user device 208 can access any web address, but goesthrough the rewards-based, universal, integrated code base 203, whichthen analyzes the content on the respective website 254, 256, and canlayer on top of the existing functionality new links, images, text,advertisements, and so forth of the existing website 254, 256. Theadditional functionality on top of or adjacent to the existing websitetherefore becomes available. The user experience on their authorizeduser device 208 can be normal—the user can enter in a URL into a browserand simply go to the desired website in the normal fashion. However,since the user is logged into the rewards-based, universal, integratedcode base 203, the user will be given or offered additionalfunctionality as described herein in connection with each website 254,256. The rewards-based, universal, integrated code base 203 does notinterfere with any existing content of the website 254, 256 but providesa notice that there can be additional offers or rewards related to whatis available through the rewards-based, universal, integrated code base203.

The additional overlay functionality is provided on a user interface ofthe authorized user device 208 as the device interacts with theunauthorized third-party entity 254, 256. The additional overlayfunctionality can include at least one of a graphical notificationassociated with an object on the user interface and presented by theunauthorized third-party entity 254, 256. The notification can also beaudible, tactile, haptic or provided in any other fashion on theauthorized user device 208. The notification, if interacted with by theuser or responded to by the user, present at least one capabilityoffered by the rewards-based, universal, integrated code base 203.

The overlay functionality essentially provides advertising behind awritten word that can be found anywhere within the ecosystem 200. Thewritten word can be in a message, a website (approved 266 or notapproved 264), an advertisement, a news article, or anywhere else a usermight be able to see or read words. The approach here can also beapplicable to images or videos as well. For example, the word Chevroletor Pizza (a trademarked word or a generic word, it does not matter),might be viewable to a user and a linkover is shown. If the word lightsup or there is a visual indicator that there are advertisements or databehind that word, a user can click on the graphical indicator. In oneexample, the various platforms 218A-K that might relate to that wordand/or that might be within a certain distance (such as 1-5 miles, whichcan be set) can be presented to the user upon user interaction with thelinkover. This can occur on any word presented to the user in theecosystem as the system knows or has evaluated all of the text presentedto the authorized user device 208 on the user interface. If a writtenword in any context (webpage, message, social media post, etc.) isconfigured a link already, then the user will see and be able to clickthat link as displayed but will also get notification that there is anoverlay link available as well that provides rewards-based benefits asdescribed herein.

In some cases, no reward is provided for a purchase made throughaccessing a linkover. However, in other cases, the writer or postingentity that provided the text can get a reward when a user interactswith the graphical representation and then makes a purchase because thatperson initiated the search for the product or service through thelinkover related to a particular word. Authorized applications or sites254, 256 do not obtain rewards as they have no agreement with the system200.

Further, a keyword/pin drop/other management module 227 can also provideother capabilities for the user in addition to the standard interactionson the website 1 254 and the website 2 256. Users can create groups orsocial media experiences by dropping pins on a website 254, 256 even ifit is unauthorized or non-approved 264.

In one example related to the pin drop process, users can add pins whichcan be dropped for ads that users may want to act on later. For example,a user may see a restaurant they want to visit but not until a futuredate or time. The user can drop a pin on the advertisement through agraphical object (such as a virtual “pin”) on the ad which indicatesthat they have marked that ad. Pins can be dropped on other graphicalfeatures besides just ads as well. The user can then later “check in”when they go to the restaurant and when they go to pay their check withtheir authorized hardware device, the rewards-based, universal,integrated code base 203 checks to see if they “checked in” and applyrewards, rebates, etc. that are available. Where rebates or rewards havea time limit, the system can remind the user to make the purchase withinthe reward time limit, such as a free desert is available through peopleeating at a restaurant through Thursday of this week. The system canalso notify them in advance about them dropping the pin so the user doesnot miss their reservation or do not miss out on the time-based reward.This can also be done for other goods and services as well through therewards-based, universal, integrated code base 203. The reminders canalso be for geographically-based rewards such as rewards for certainrestaurants at certain locations which can also be related to thelocation of the user as identified via their user device 208.

External websites 258, 260, 262 have entered into a data sharing andrewards management agreement with the entity operating therewards-based, universal, integrated code base 203. The interactions ofthe user via the authorized user device 208 provide, via the approvedentity module 223, a partial or full functionality available within therewards-based, universal, integrated code base 203. The approved entitymodule 223 can be configured to manage communication between a pluralityof authorized third-party sites 258, 260, 262. The approved third-partysites 266 can interact with the rewards-based, universal, integratedcode base 203 through a communication mechanism or communication link toenable the external websites 258, 260, 262 to provide at least some ofthe functionality or a substantial part of the rewards-based interactivefunctionality of the rewards-based, universal, integrated code base 203.

In one example, an application like Facebook® 263 or Uber® 260 couldhave a communication interface to the rewards-based, universal,integrated code base 203, but the user, through their special authorizeduser device 208, would access the rewards-based, universal, integratedcode base 203 for social media interactions or to obtain a ride butwould never directly engage with Uber® 260 or Facebook® 262 as theirfunctionality would be made available through the rewards-based,universal, integrated code base 203 and through the approved entitymodule 223 which adds new capabilities including a rewards-basedinteraction to these external sites 260, 262. Thus, a user accessing aURL associated with Uber® 260 or Facebook® 262 might access a platformor site hosted 218I on the rewards-based, universal, integrated codebase 203 but that has some data feed or functionality provided by Uber®260 or Facebook® 262.

In one scenario, a social media application like Facebook® or a merchantapplication like Walmart® could have an interface (such as the approvedentity module 223) to the rewards-based, universal, integrated code base203, but the user, through their special authorized user device 208,would access the rewards-based, universal, integrated code base 203 forsocial media interactions or to purchase products but may never directlyengage with Walmart® or Facebook® 262. The functionality of these sitesor applications would be made available through the rewards-based,universal, integrated code base 203, which adds new capabilitiesincluding a rewards-based interaction.

In another aspect, companies that run external websites 258, 260, 262cannot obtain the full functionality of the platforms 218A-K becausethey are not integrated into the rewards-based, universal, integratedcode base 203. The sites 258, 260, 262 might, for example, be granted apercentage of a sale from an advertisement on their site if theyadvertise or encourage users to join the rewards-based, universal,integrated code base 203 ecosystem. Other limited functionality might beprovided through a communication link and the approved entity module 223as well with respect to rewards, advertising, and so forth. However, togain the full possible functionality, such companies might also need toinclude a platform on the rewards-based, universal, integrated code base203. For example, a Facebook® platform 218J can be added to therewards-based, universal, integrated code base 203. An Uber® platform218K might also be added to the rewards-based, universal, integratedcode base 203. Users accessing the rewards-based, universal, integratedcode base 203 can obtain the full functionality by integrating with theplatform 218A-K or might also interact with the respective sites 258,260, 262 as well but only be granted limited functionality.

In some cases, a platform 218A-K on the rewards-based, universal,integrated code base 203 might communicate via the approved entitymodule 223 with an associated site 262 for access to data such aspermissions, user data, profiles, product inventory, and so forth, butthe primary functionality needed to grant all of the capabilities of therewards-based, universal, integrated code base 203 might be internal.

Thus, the communication flow between the authorized user device 208 andthe system 200 including any platforms 218A-K that might be accessed andused by the authorized user device 208 is different from the flow ofdata in communication links in the traditional approach. Again, sincethe combined platforms all operating on the same rewards-based,universal, integrated code base 203, the authorized user device 208 onlyneeds to communicate with the system 200 and with no other apps,websites, or other entities. Developers 220, 222 and other entitieswould obtain authorization to exist on the rewards-based, universal,integrated code base 203 and thus interact with the individual usersthrough the system 200.

Various modules 230, 232, 234, 236, 238, 240, 242, 244, 246, 248, 250are configured within the rewards-based, universal, integrated code base203 to enable and implement the special processing that becomes capablewithin the framework. An entry point management module 230 processes newplatforms 218A-K that merchants or other entities desire to operate inthe rewards-based, universal, integrated code base 203. In theconventional app store model, there is an ingesting process in which anapplication is checked and approved to entry into the app store. Theprocess of the entry point management module 230 is different in that itoperates to bring in code or can be used to develop code upon requestthat is integrated into the rewards-based, universal, integrated codebase 203 in a completely different way than just providing a platform torun separate and individual applications.

A rewards management module 232 enables rewards to be provided toindividuals across the platform and for a variety of differentinteractions across different platforms 218A-K, and/or approved sites258, 260, 262 such as for providing comments, reviews, purchasing items,viewing a site, referring new people to the system 200, sendingmessages, and so forth.

A universal username management module 234 can manage the top level userusername and associated passwords. In one example, a tree structure isused with a new user in the system having what is called a top levelusername to initiate entry into the system 200. Thereafter, otherpasswords, codes, usernames, etc. can be used for other purposes and canbe tied to the unchanging top level username. For example, one usermight join or register for the system 200 and receive or purchase theirauthorized user device 208 which enables full participation in thesystem 200. Thereafter, the user might become a developer 220 andprovide code or ask for a platform to be developed within therewards-based, universal, integrated code base 203. The user will have atop level username that is comparable to a tree trunk that supportsnumerous branches. Other passwords or codes can be connected as branchesfrom the top level username for other platforms or data within therewards-based, universal, integrated code base 203. The top levelusername does not change but passwords or other identification dataconnected as a branch to the top level username (tree trunk) can change.Employees or managers associated with a platform owned by a user havinga top level username can be granted passwords associated with their jobsand which give them permissions to perform certain functions for theplatform.

The universal username management module 234 can be configured to enablethe owner of the top level username to assign permissions and passwordsassociated with the top level username to others. For example, an ownerof a ride management platform 218C can have a top level username ofjohndoe and can assign permissions or passwords to employees or generalmanagers associated with operating the ride management platform 218C. Inthis regard, downward passwords or permissions associated with the toplevel username can be granted to perform various functions associatedwith the ride management platform 218C. Passwords or permissions canchange but the top level username does not change.

A data/privacy/file storage management module 236 can manage the userdata and privacy settings within the rewards-based, universal,integrated code base 203. Once the data is uploaded, the data becomesavailable to social media processes 218B, texting/messaging/emailingprocesses 218E, authorized websites and platforms 218I, and so forth.The capability of that data being accessible across the rewards-based,universal, integrated code base 203 is a novel feature disclosed herein.Users can control how much of their data is shared or analyzed forvarious reasons. The more data that is shared, however, the greater therewards are to the user. Thus, the management of data privacy, the levelof privacy provided, and the associated coordination with arewards/ratings management module 248 are important features.

A messaging management module 238 is used to manage messaging withinrewards-based, universal, integrated code base 203. For example, aplatform such as the email platform 218E can represent any messaging orcommunications within the rewards-based, universal, integrated code base203. Users may use words in a message that can trigger or cause a linkto be provided which can enable a purchase to be made and a reward to beprovided. The messaging management module 238 can analyze messages andimplement the rewards-based interactions made available through therewards-based, universal, integrated code base 203. In one example, thecomment or message made by a user can include one or more of a blogpost, a review of a product or media, a message from a first user to asecond user, a social networking post, a rating, or a reactionassociated with a posting. The data can also be simply text in a storedfile created by a user. These communications can be managed within therewards-based, universal, integrated code base 203 in an integrated wayto provide rewards for the person making the comment. For example, if auser comments on Disneyland in a blog post, social media posting, oreven a message or email, if a user who reads the communication in anyformat then goes to Disneyland or makes a purchase of products orservices related to Disneyland, the person initiating that communicationwill get a reward.

A geolocation management module 240 can track and utilize thegeolocation of any one or more of the authorized user devices 204, 206,208, 210, 212, 214, 216. In this regard, in some cases a reward or someother operation within the rewards-based, universal, integrated codebase 203 might be enhanced or implemented based on the location of theauthorized user device 204, 206, 208, 210, 212, 214, 216. Thegeolocation management module 240 will receive that location, which canbe provided through the communication module 229 in communication withthe respective authorized user device 204, 206, 208, 210, 212, 214, 216,and share that location across other modules that might need or utilizethe geolocation of the authorized user device 204, 206, 208, 210, 212,214, 216.

An auction/real-time bidding management module 242 enables merchants224, 226 to provide real-time auctions or bidding to users of the systemvia devices such as the authorized user device 208. This capability,rather than just being built into an app or on a website as in the oldsystem, is offered by the rewards-based, universal, integrated code base203 to all of the merchant-based platforms 218A-K and/or approvedthird-party sites 258, 260, 262. An offer builder module 244 providesfunctionality related to building offers that can be provided to usersby merchants 224, 226 or other platforms 218A-K in the rewards-based,universal, integrated code base 203. For example, the geolocationmanagement module 240 might indicate that the authorized user device 208is near a merchant 224 location. The offer builder module 244 canprovide an offer for a reduced price for a meal at the merchant 224(assume it's a restaurant) and provide that offer to the authorized userdevice 208. In another aspect the offer builder module 244 can createreal-time, flash, scheduled, and/or custom offers at any time and offerto any of the users of the rewards-based, universal, integrated codebase 203. More details about the auction/real-time bidding managementmodule 242 are provided below.

In one example of how the offer builder module 244 might work, enhancedrewards can be generated for merchants. A merchant may choose to createenhanced rewards offers to entice users to purchase their goods andservices. A merchant may decide because business is slow on a certainday(s) or time(s) to add value to the rewards used towards purchasesbetween those parameters such as for a day or time. A user during theenhanced rewards period might earn $2 in rewards for every $1 spent.Rewards can in essence be increased from the universal $1 value to anyhigher value the merchant wants based on the criteria they set.

A platform grouping/combining management module 246 can enableaggregating platforms or combining platforms in ways not possible oreven contemplated in the current structure of application and websiteuse. Users can create combinations of platforms as well as selecttimings of when a combined platform user interface should be presented.Thus, for example, a user can ask for their Facebook feed, favorite blogand news feed be combined into a single feed at 7 AM for reading andreviewing before going to work.

The grouping/combining management module 246 carries out two differentfunctions and can be separated into two modules each performing one ofthe functions of grouping or combining. One function relates tocombining platforms which is a user functionality in which users choosetwo or more different platforms to combine into a single news feed datafeed or user interface. Users choose which platforms to combine and therewards-based, universal, integrated code base 203 combines the datafrom the various platforms into a single data feed for the user toconsume.

The platform grouping/combining management module 246 enables theintegration of these various different platforms of the same type(social media) or of different types without the need of the useropening one application for news, checking their news feed, and thenclosing that application and opening another application for socialmedia viewing. Information in those feeds could be sorted by subject,topic, geolocation, username and the like. Because the platforms 218A-Kare integrated into the rewards-based, universal, integrated code base203, it becomes possible to aggregate or combine them in new ways ascontrolled by the user.

The other function is the grouping concept which involves businessesjoining or voluntarily creating a group of merchants or platforms thatcan then share rewards based on referrals or an order in which usersvisit platforms in the group and make purchases. Grouping can also becalled joining in that merchants join or create groups which can be donethrough a merchant interface and which can be based on, for example, asimilarity or complementary goods or services relative to othermerchants in the group.

Grouping, via the platform grouping/combining management module 246,platforms may be done for the purpose of coordinating rewards orpurchases amongst different merchants. For example, one merchant mightsell movie tickets or on-line access to media and another merchant mightsell popcorn. Merchants can be “grouped” that have complementary orrelated products or services. In this manner, rewards can be sharedamongst such related merchants via a grouping operation. A result of thegrouping operation can be a presentation of grouped merchants onauthorized user devices 208 that encourages or informs the users ofgrouped/related business and that can thereby encourage the user to renta movie from one merchant and purchase popcorn from another. Rewards canflow between the grouped merchants and the user as well in new ways notcurrently implemented.

In one example of grouping, a topic such as dogs can be the basis uponwhich a group is made. A dog groomer, dog sitter, and dog walker canoperate different companies but because they are complementary or relateto one topic, they can elect to be grouped together as a “mini-mall”.Each of these different companies can have a platform on therewards-based, universal, integrated code base 203 and can find eachother for the purpose of selecting or seeking to group together. Groupscan be organized in different ways. For example, a group focused arounda topic of dogs can include six entities which can be people,businesses, or other entities. All of the parties elect or choose to bepart of the group. In one example, four of the six might only be a partof that group but the remaining two might be also a part of anothergroup such as for animals in general or other topics which might relateto their business such as a business selling grooming products.

In one aspect, when businesses combine their business platforms, via thegrouping function, into virtual malls, users can enter through any oneof the grouped platforms and participate and shop amongst any platformin the group. In one context, users are encouraged to patronize theplatforms in the group and buy products from multiple platforms or allthe businesses platforms in that virtual mall. In one aspect, auniversal shopping cart can be provided across the entire rewards-based,universal, integrated code base 203 or be modified to only be availablein the virtual mall of a group of businesses. In another aspect, auniversal shopping cart can be provided with incentives for purchasesacross the group of businesses, such as a discount where products arepurchased from more than one business of the group. In a universalshopping card model, the user gets one receipt and makes one purchasingprocess based on numerous items in the shopping cart that can be fromdifferent platforms.

In another aspect, users can get one itinerary and a referring businessplatforms from within the virtual mall can get rewards if the user buyssomething from the next business platform after leaving the firstbusiness platform in the virtual mall. Thus, if a user is at a doggrooming platform and then next goes to a dog walking platform andorders dog walking assistance, the dog grooming platform can receive areward as the business platform that is the most recent before a usermakes a purchase within the virtual mall of grouped platforms. This canbe one benefit of being part of a group. Group discounts, groupadvertising, and other group benefits can be provided as well onceplatforms organize in this manner. Businesses in a group that aredetermined to “refer” a user to another one of the businesses in thegroup will receive a reward based on the purchase, which encouragessales amongst the group. Thus, the grouping enables rewards and referralrewards for members of the group all in the context of therewards-based, universal, integrated code base 203.

A review/ratings management module 248 enables the management of userreviews and ratings across the rewards-based, universal, integrated codebase 203. Any user, any platform, any merchant, or any other entity canbe reviewed, rated or commented on in the rewards-based, universal,integrated code base 203. In one example, unlike current applications,users in the rewards-based, universal, integrated code base 203 may onlybe allowed to review products or services they have actually purchased.In another aspect, all platforms 218A-K and merchants 224, 226 can bereviewed and the reviews may be seen by anyone throughout therewards-based, universal, integrated code base 203. Words in any reviewcan also lead to rewards for the reviewer as well as noted herein basedon a reader of the review making a purchase of a related product orservice.

A payment management module 250 enables a simplified payment processacross platforms. In one example, currency is used within therewards-based, universal, integrated code base 203 such that people canearn rewards and make payments within the rewards-based, universal,integrated code base 203. In another aspect, a user might provide acredit card or other payment mechanism that can includecryptocurrencies, any fiat currency, or other payment mechanism and canuse that payment mechanism in whole or in part to make payments withinthe rewards-based, universal, integrated code base 203. For example, theuser might pay with the system currency for a part of what is owed tobuy a product but pay the rest using a credit card or debit card onfile. The payment management module 250 can manage all such payments aswell as other functionality related to payment processes within therewards-based, universal, integrated code base 203.

In one aspect, the payment management module 250 can enable a universalshopping cart across platforms. Since all the platforms share the samerewards-based, universal, integrated code base 203, users can easilyplace items from a first platform into a shopping cart and continue toshop on other platforms. The shopping cart can carry over or retain thevarious items from different platforms and then the user can make singlepayment for the various items. Payments and instructions can then betransmitted to the different platforms for delivering the products orservices. Further, shopping carts can be developed for and be universalacross grouped merchants as discussed above. Thus, the “universality” ofshopping carts in this context could be dynamic as merchants enter andleave a particular group. Users could also customize shopping carts tobe universal across all their sports equipment purchases or across acertain type of platform.

In another example, while in most cases payments using rewards earnedremain within the rewards-based, universal, integrated code base 203environment, outside entities such as a charity, merchant or otherentity might need a payment to be made. Rewards can be based on a fiatcurrency, a token associated with the rewards-based, universal,integrated code base 203, a cryptocurrency, and so forth. Merchants 224,226 can in one aspect agree to be paid in rewards at least in partearned by use of the system 200. In one example, a user might be able todesignate that some of the rewards that they earn should go to acharitable organization. A payee outside network 252 can represent suchan outside entity that gets paid from the payment management module 250as managed by the payment management module 250. The payment managementmodule 250 could handle transitions or conversions of an internalcurrency for the system 200 and a fiat currency like the dollar that isreceived by the payee outside network 252.

Merchants 224, 226 can interact with the rewards-based, universal,integrated code base 203 through the use of a merchant module 221. Theservers and/or point of sale (POS) devices associated with respectivemerchants 224, 226 are each “authorized” in that they have hardware 350or software components that enable them access to the rewards-based,universal, integrated code base 203 and all its functionality. Themerchant module 221 can enable inventories to be coordinated, offers tobe provided, and access to and coordination with the various functionalmodules described herein that enable the features in the rewards-based,universal, integrated code base 203. The merchants 224, 226 may connectvia a merchant server or point of sale (POS) system and such systemswould be “authorized” as described herein. A POS device 228 may also be“authorized” and connected via the merchant module 221 to therewards-based, universal, integrated code base 203. Again, in thisregard, the authorized POS device 228 might have a hardware component350 that enables it to access the rewards-based, universal, integratedcode base 203 or it may have a software or licensed authorization toaccess the rewards-based, universal, integrated code base 203.Typically, a merchant owner will have a top level username connectedwith the respective merchant 224, 226 and/or POS 228.

Note that the payment management module 250 can enable users to receiverewards for their various activities within the rewards-based,universal, integrated code base 203 but that merchants 224, 226, whenthey get paid, will receive fiat, cryptocurrency, or other standardpayments for goods and services sold from platforms 218A-K configured inthe rewards-based, universal, integrated code base 203. The payeeoutside network 252 can be used in connection with any merchant 224, 226to get paid. In one aspect, rewards received by users of therewards-based, universal, integrated code base 203 can be redeemed orused for purchases within the system 200 but cannot be pulled out asfiat such as the dollar. Users may in one aspect be required to use themwithin the rewards-based, universal, integrated code base 203 to makepurchases from authorized or approved platforms 218A-K. The paymentmanagement module 250 can manage the permissions with respect to whatrewards have to be used internally and what can be pulled out andtransferred to an external payment network 252.

In another example of the rewards-based, universal, integrated code base203 capabilities can include functionality for restaurants. For example,through the use of the entry point management module 230 and the use ofthe merchant module 221, a restaurant owner (say merchant 224) might beable to provide an update in a price or in a food and offering.Restaurants often change their menus depending on the season, the day,or for other reasons. One challenge exists is that such changes are notimmediately reflected in an online menu that might be available on awebsites managed by a third-party. In this case, restaurant owners oftenhave to go into their website or applications and make changesthemselves. Where customers might not be viewing the most recent venueitems or charges, such a discrepancy can put a restaurant owner in aposition of taking a financial hit.

However, by using the rewards-based, universal, integrated code base 203as disclosed herein, if a restaurant 224 is integrated with the system200, their website can be hosted via the web hosting platform 218I ormay be an approved third-party site 266 such that the externally hostedwebsite 258 can obtain or have available the functionality provided bythe system 200. The restaurant website 258 or merchant system 224 canintegrate with a point of sale 228 of the restaurant and any changesthat are made on the fly to a menu, an image, or other data which mightbe stored in a memory device 315 of the plurality of servers 202, can bereflected in the restaurant online ordering system automatically. Thedata/privacy/file storage management module 236 discussed more fullybelow can manage the data distribution processes. Thus, in FIG. 2A,merchant 1 224 might have a server and/or POS station 228 which can beintegrated or have a communication link to the rewards-based, universal,integrated code base 203. In this regard, any menu change (or any changeto any data or file) that might be made or entered into any of thesecomputing devices within the plurality of servers 202, can automaticallybe integrated in or updated for their online ordering within therewards-based, universal, integrated code base 203 or to the merchantserver 224 or at the POS 228.

In another aspect, if a restaurant gets a large amount of orders in ashort amount of time for delivery, the amount of orders may be so highthat the company stops taking phone orders for delivery. The approachdisclosed herein would enable accessing additional delivery serviceswhich can be enabled via a restaurant platform and a food deliveryplatform within the rewards-based, universal, integrated code base 203.Specials, offers and discounts can also be offered automatically and inreal-time based on preset condition set by platforms, i.e., restaurantsand the like. In one aspect, a grouping of merchants as discussed abovecan include such features as load balancing where one service can easilycommunicate with another service to fulfill orders it cannot fulfill.Price sharing and rewards sharing can automatically flow between thegroups merchants that help each other in this regard.

By providing the rewards-based, universal, integrated code base 203, theapproach disclosed herein introduces an entirely new concept for howusers will interact with the computing environment. In the old processof using applications, a user would open an application, perform afunction or buy a product, and close the application only to open upanother application. Each merchant, such as Nike® or Costco®, would havetheir own separate application. The applications had no mechanism ofinteracting with each other and were separated in terms of their programbase and how they were stored on a user device 110, 112, 114. The newrewards-based, universal, integrated code base 203 enables users toseamlessly move from one platform to another and introduces aninteroperability amongst platforms that simply currently does not exist.Thus, the concept of opening and closing individual applications foraccessing separate individual operations or functions no longer applies.The same is true for separate websites. The Nike® website does not haveinteroperability with the Costco® website. Users have to use theirbrowser to go and access these sites separately. Conceptually andaccording to this disclosure, every platform, every website, and everymerchant that joins the rewards-based, universal, integrated code base203 will receive and accept an interoperability and data sharing regimethat is not possible in the current structure of the Internet.

Any merchant or entity that joins this system 200 will be provided withthe capability of enabling users to easily switch to differentplatforms, make payments on platforms, provide, spend and receiverewards for user interactions related to that merchant or entity, havetheir data aggregated with other data or other platforms as desired bythe user, and so forth. In other words, merchant or entities that enterinto the rewards-based, universal, integrated code base 203 will begiven functionality that developers who upload apps to the app storehave no ability to obtain.

As an example of switching platforms, because platforms are allintegrated into the rewards-based, universal, integrated code base 203,users can be on one platform, such as a social media site, and theswitch from one platform to another without closing one and openinganother. The switching can occur through interacting with a drop-downmenu, or entering a command, or interacting with a graphical interfaceon the authorized user device 208.

In one aspect, the system can include the rewards-based, universal,integrated code base 203 as a network-based plurality of computersfunctioning to provide the capabilities disclosed herein. In anotheraspect, a “system” 200 can include both the rewards-based, universal,integrated code base 203 and one or more of the authorized user devices204, 206, 208, 210, 212, 214, 216 which are used to access therewards-based, universal, integrated code base 203.

The embodiments related to the system 200 can include any one or more ofthe modules discussed above in the context of the rewards-based,universal, integrated code base 203. For example, one system can includea plurality of network-based computer servers 202, a plurality ofauthorized user devices 204, 206, 208, 210, 212, 214, 216 and arewards-based, universal, integrated code base 203 operating across theplurality of network-based computer servers 202 and/or the plurality ofuser devices 204, 206, 208, 210, 212, 214, 216. The rewards-based,universal, integrated code base 203 can include one or more of an entrypoint management module 230 configured to receive new merchantparticipants 224, 226 into the rewards-based, universal, integrated codebase 203 in which each respective new merchant 224, 226 agrees to apayment framework in which a rebate is provided to a buyer of a productor service from the respective new merchant 224, 226 and a referralpayment is made to a referring member who referred the buyer to therespective new merchant 224, 226. A rewards/loan management module 232can be configured to connect a reader of a comment or message made by awriter in a platform configured within the rewards-based, universal,integrated code base 203 to a merchant 224, 226 associated with thecomment and to provide a referral reward to the writer upon the readermaking a purchase from the merchant 224, 226.

A loan aspect of the rewards/loan management module 232 can enable usersto borrow from their future or expected rewards. The user can borrowagainst the future rewards and make purchases and then their futureearned rewards can be used to pay off the loan. In one scenario, usersmake a payment using the rewards that they have, and if they do not haveenough to make a purchase, users borrow more based on their earningpotential, like their spending through rewards-based, universal,integrated code base 203 and or the amount their referred users bring inthrough the rewards-based, universal, integrated code base 203. Userscan be offered a loan of rewards to be paid back from their futureearned rewards. The loan amount could be a partial or full loan of theirremaining balance for the goods or services they are currently buyingafter they applied their current available rewards.

A universal username management module 234 can be configured to enable asingle sign up (top level username) for users of the rewards-based,universal, integrated code base 203 such that platforms 218A-K and/orwebsites 258, 260, 262 accessed after users sign into the rewards-based,universal, integrated code base 203 are accessible through a single toplevel username across all the platforms and/or websites within therewards-based, universal, integrated code base 203.

A data/privacy/file storage management module 236 can be configured,upon a specific user signing up, to provide an encrypted account on theplurality of network-based computer servers 202 to access data that therewards-based, universal, integrated code base 203 has collected on thespecific user across one or more platforms 218A-K or websites 258, 260,262, to yield collected data. The data/privacy/file storage managementmodule 236 can enable the specific user to delete any or all of thecollected data and to inform the specific user regarding an impact ofdeleting any or all of the collected data would have on rewards providedto the specific user for interacting with platforms 218A-K or websites258, 260, 262 across the rewards-based, universal, integrated code base203.

The comment or message mentioned above can include one or more of a blogpost, a review of a product or media, a message from a first user to asecond user, a social networking post, a rating, or a reactionassociated with a posting.

In one aspect, the rewards-based, universal, integrated code base 203enables a user operating an authorized user device 208 of the pluralityof devices 204, 206, 208, 210, 212, 214, 216 to perform one or more ofswitching platforms, aggregating platforms, providing a review, making apurchase, interacting with a social media platform, and exchanging databetween a first platform and a second platform.

Each device of the plurality of devices 204, 206, 208, 210, 212, 214,216 provides for a secure and encrypted communication channel with therewards-based, universal, integrated code base 203. Each device of theplurality of devices 204, 206, 208, 210, 212, 214, 216 in one aspect mayonly provide a user interface served from the rewards-based, universal,integrated code 203 and does not store application code or platform codeon the respective authorized user device 208.

In one aspect, the only way to access rewards as managed by the rewardsmanagement module 232 and from the rewards-based, universal, integratedcode base 203 is by the use of one of the plurality of authorized userdevices 204, 206, 208, 210, 212, 214, 216. In other words, there is nomechanism outside of the plurality of authorized user devices 204, 206,208, 210, 212, 214, 216 in which an unauthorized user device couldaccess the capabilities and reward functionality offered in therewards-based, universal, integrated code base 203. Unauthorized deviceswould not be granted access to the rewards-based, universal, integratedcode base 203, or to any of its platforms or websites. Other types ofauthorized devices could also be added by licensing, hardware orsoftware solutions to enable access to the rewards-based, universal,integrated code base 203.

In another aspect, a system can include a plurality of network-basedcomputer servers 202 upon which the rewards-based, universal, integratedcode base 203 operates and an entry point management module 230configured to receive new entity participants into the rewards-based,universal, and the integrated code base 203 in which each respective newentity agrees to an information exchange framework for a respectiveplatform associated with the respective new entity. The rewards-based,universal, integrated code base 203 can include an aggregation of eachrespective platform 218A-K associated with each respective new entity orthird-party entity and which enables at least one or more of rewards,payments and data sharing between each respective platform in therewards-based, universal, integrated code base 203.

In one aspect, an update by a respective entity to its respectiveplatform operating on the rewards-based, universal, integrated code base203 is reflected across at least one of a plurality of differentsurfaces of the respective platform. In one example, the respectiveentity can include a restaurant and the update can include a menu updateand wherein at least one of the plurality of different surfaces(websites, platforms a user can access) can include an on-line orderingform.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example computing system architecture of a system300, which can be used to process data operations and requests, storedata content and/or metadata, and perform other computing operations.The system 300 can be used as one of the plurality of computer servers202, or could provide information about various components which can bepart of an authorized user device 208 (or any of the user devices). Inthis example, the components of the system 300 are in electricalcommunication with each other using a connection 305, such as a bus. Thesystem 300 includes a processing unit (CPU or processor) 310 and aconnection 305 that couples various system components including a memory315, such as read only memory (ROM) 320 and random access memory (RAM)325, to the processor 310. The system 300 can include a cache ofhigh-speed memory connected directly with, in close proximity to, orintegrated as part of the processor 310. The memory 315, RAM 325, ROM320 or any other memory device can represent the computer storage devicewhich stores data or files within the system 200 and which are availablefor use across one or more of the platforms 218A-K as discussed above.

The system 300 can copy data from the memory 315 and/or the storagedevice 330 to cache 312 for quick access by the processor 310. In thisway, the cache can provide a performance boost that avoids processor 310delays while waiting for data. These and other modules can control or beconfigured to control the processor 310 to perform various actions.Other memory 315 may be available for use as well. The memory 315 caninclude multiple different types of memory with different performancecharacteristics. The processor 310 can include any general purposeprocessor and a hardware or software service, such as service 1 332,service 2 334, and service 3 336 stored in storage device 330,configured to control the processor 310 as well as a special-purposeprocessor where software instructions are incorporated into the actualprocessor design. The processor 310 may be a completely self-containedcomputing system, containing multiple cores or processors, a bus, memorycontroller, cache, etc. A multi-core processor may be symmetric orasymmetric. An access hardware component 350 can store a token, passwordor other characteristic that is checked to enable access to theplurality of servers 202 and thus the rewards-based, universal,integrated code base 203 and all its capabilities. A sensor 352 caninclude any type of sensor such as a heat sensor, a light sensor, agyroscope, a speed sensor, a motion sensor, an accelerometer, a deviceorientation sensor, a location-based sensor, a microphone, a camera, abiometric sensor, and so forth that can be accessed or used by anyapplication or platform 218A-K or site 258, 260, 262 on therewards-based, universal, integrated code base 203.

To enable user interaction with the computing system 300, an inputdevice 345 can represent any number of input mechanisms, such as amicrophone for speech, a touch-sensitive screen and/or camera forgesture or graphical input, keyboard, mouse, motion input, speech and soforth. An output device 335 can also be one or more of a number ofoutput mechanisms known to those of skill in the art. In some instances,multimodal systems can enable a user to provide multiple types of inputto communicate with the computing system 300. The communicationsinterface 340 can generally govern and manage the user input and systemoutput. There is no restriction on operating on any particular hardwarearrangement and therefore the basic features here may easily besubstituted for improved hardware or firmware arrangements as they aredeveloped.

Storage device 330 is a non-volatile memory and can be a hard disk orother types of computer readable media which can store data that areaccessible by a computer, such as magnetic cassettes, flash memorycards, solid state memory devices, digital versatile disks, cartridges,random access memories (RAMs) 325, read only memory (ROM) 320, andhybrids thereof. The computer-readable medium may include memory or datastorage media, such as non-volatile random access memory (NVRAM),electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), FLASHmemory, magnetic or optical data storage media, and the like.

The storage device 330 can include services 332, 334, 336 forcontrolling the processor 310. Other hardware or software modules arecontemplated. The storage device 330 can be connected to the connection305. In one aspect, a hardware module that performs a particularfunction can include the software component stored in acomputer-readable medium in connection with the necessary hardwarecomponents, such as the processor 310, connection 305, output device335, and so forth, to carry out the function.

For clarity of explanation, in some instances the present technology maybe presented as including individual functional blocks includingfunctional blocks including devices, device components, steps orroutines in a method embodied in software, or combinations of hardwareand software.

In some embodiments the computer-readable storage devices, mediums, andmemories can include a cable or wireless signal containing a bit streamand the like. However, when mentioned, non-transitory computer-readablestorage media expressly exclude media such as energy, carrier signals,electromagnetic waves, and signals per se.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example method 400 related to the operation of thesystem 200. A method 400 can include receiving, via entry pointmanagement module 230 configured to receive new merchant 224participants into a rewards-based, universal, integrated code base 203,data regarding a new platform to be configured in the rewards-based,universal, integrated code base (402), adding, based on the data, thenew platform 218A-K to the rewards-based, universal, integrated codebase 203, wherein the rewards-based, universal, integrated code base 203includes, after the adding, the new platform and previously addedplatforms (404) and enabling the new platform to exchange informationwith each of the previously added platforms, wherein each respective newentity agrees to an information exchange framework for a respectiveplatform associated with the respective new entity (406). The methodincludes providing, via the rewards-based, universal, integrated codebase 203, one or more of rewards for an authorized user deviceinteracting with the new platform or the previously added platforms, anability for the authorized user device 208 to make payments in the newplatform or the previously added platforms, an ability to aggregate oneor more of the new platform or the previously added platforms, anability to combine one or more of the new platform or the previouslyadded platforms, and an ability to switch between one or more of the newplatform or the previously added platforms (408).

The authorized user device 208 can include a specialized device that isauthorized to access a user interface presented on the user device fromthe rewards-based, universal, integrated code base 203. The authorizeduser device 208 can provide a secure communication channel to therewards-based, universal, integrated code base 203.

FIG. 5 illustrates another example method 500. A method 500 can includeaccessing, via an authorized user device, via a single communicationchannel, a rewards-based, universal, integrated code base 203 operatingon a plurality of network-based computer servers 202, the rewards-based,universal, integrated code base 203 including an aggregation of aplurality of respective platforms, each respective platform of theplurality of respective platforms associated with an entity and whichenables at least one or more of rewards, payments and data sharingbetween the plurality of respective platforms (502) transmitting, viathe single communication channel and to the authorized user device, auser interface from the rewards-based, universal, integrated code base203 (504) and enabling, via the user interface on the authorized userdevice, a user to interact with, switch between, combine or aggregateany two or more of the plurality of respective platforms (506).

A respective platform can include a merchant and wherein the merchantagrees, as part of being on the rewards-based, universal, integratedcode base 203, to a payment framework in which a rebate is provided to abuyer of a product or service from the merchant and a referral paymentis made to a referring member who referred the buyer to the merchant.The merchant also agrees to be paid via the rewards earned by users inthe ecosystem 200. The plurality of platforms can include at least oneor more of a social media platform 218B, a shopping platform 218F, aride-ordering platform 218C, a media platform 218G and a communicationplatform 218H.

The rewards-based, universal, integrated code base 203 further caninclude a rewards management module 232 configured to connect a readerof a comment or message made by a writer in a platform configured withinthe rewards-based, universal, integrated code base 203 to a merchant224, 226 associated with the comment and to provide a referral reward tothe writer upon the reader making a purchase from the merchant 224, 226.The rewards-based, universal, integrated code base 203 further caninclude a universal username management module 234 configured to enablea single sign up (an unchanging top level username) for users of therewards-based, universal, integrated code base 203, such that platformsand/or websites accessed after users sign into the rewards-based,universal, integrated code base 203 are accessible through a single toplevel username (which can have an associated password or other usernamesrelated in a tree structure) across all the platforms and/or websiteswithin or managed by the rewards-based, universal, integrated code base203. The rewards-based, universal, integrated code base 203 further caninclude a data/privacy/file storage management module 236 configured,upon a specific user signing up, to provide an encrypted account on theplurality of network-based computer servers 202 to access data that therewards-based, universal, integrated code base 203 has collected on thespecific user across one or more platforms or websites, to yieldcollected data. The data/privacy/file storage management module 236 canenable the specific user to delete any or all of the collected data andto inform the specific user regarding an impact of deleting any or allof the collected data would have on rewards provide to the specific userfor interacting with platforms or websites across the rewards-based,universal, integrated code base 203.

In another aspect, the system 200 can include a plurality ofnetwork-based computer servers 202 upon which a rewards-based,universal, integrated code base 203 operates. The system can include acommunication module 229 configured to manage communication between anauthorized user device 208 and the rewards-based, universal, integratedcode base 203. The system 200 can also include an approved entity module223 configured to enable rewards-based communications between theauthorized user device 208 connected, via the communication module 229,to the rewards-based, universal, integrated code base 203 and anauthorized third-party entity 258, 260, 262 communicating with therewards-based, universal, integrated code base 203 and that agrees to aninformation and rewards exchange framework provided by therewards-based, universal, integrated code base 203. The system 200 canalso include an non-approved entity module 225 configured to managecommunications between the authorized user device 208 connected to therewards-based, universal, integrated code base 203 and an unauthorizedthird-party entity 254, 256 that does not agree to an information andrewards exchange framework provided by the rewards-based, universal,integrated code base 203. The system 200 can include a rewardsmanagement module 232 configured to enable rewards-based communicationsbetween the authorized user device 208 connected, via the communicationmodule 229, to the rewards-based, universal, integrated code base 203and an authorized third-party platform 218A-K configured within therewards-based, universal, integrated code base 203, wherein theauthorized third-party platform 218A-K agrees to an information andrewards exchange framework provided by the rewards-based, universal,integrated code base 203.

The rewards-based, universal, integrated code base 203 can be a singlecode base operating on the plurality of network-based computer servers202. The rewards-based, universal, integrated code base 203 can includethe authorized third-party platform 218A-K and can enable at least oneor more of rewards 232, payments 250 and data sharing 236 between theauthorized third-party platform 218A-K configured within the connectedto the rewards-based, universal, integrated code base 203, theauthorized third-party entity 258, 260, 262 connected, via the approvedentity module 223 to the connected to the rewards-based, universal,integrated code base 203 and the authorized user device 208 connected,via the communication module 229, to the rewards-based, universal,integrated code base 203.

Data Management in the Rewards-Based, Universal, Integrated Code Base

Another aspect of this disclosure relates to a data/privacy/file storagemanagement module 236 and how a unique approach to data management ispossible in the rewards-based, universal, integrated code base 203. FIG.2B illustrates a system 200 that can include a plurality ofnetwork-based computer servers 202, a rewards-based, universal,integrated code base 203 operating on the plurality of network-basedcomputer servers 202, a data storage device 274 (which can correspond tomemory 315 shown in FIG. 3) operating with the plurality ofnetwork-based computer servers 202, and a plurality of platforms 218A-Koperating together on the rewards-based, universal, integrated code base203. Each platform of the plurality of platforms 218A-K operates for arespective entity (such as a business or a user) that agrees to aninformation exchange framework with other platforms and users of therewards-based, universal, integrated code base 203.

The data/privacy/file storage management module 236 manages the receiptand use of data 270, 272 stored in the data storage device 274, the data270, 272 being, in one example, from a respective authorized user device208 of the rewards-based, universal, integrated code base 203. The data270, 272 can be any type of data such as files (Word files, Excel files,PowerPoint files, etc.), messages, social media posts, videos, images,audio recordings, and so forth. For example, a video recording of a Zoomvideo call can be stored and then made available as the data describedherein. Any piece of data (data1 270, data2 272) can access at any timeany other piece of data, or other platform or user. Conditions can beset by the owner of a respective piece of data. The data1 270 and data2272 can be created by a user or by a merchant or any entity owning oroperating any platform 218A-K.

In FIG. 2B, the authorized user device 208 represents all of thepossible authorized user devices 204, 206, 208, 210, 212, 214, 216 inFIG. 2A. In one example, the user, via the authorized user device 208,can take a picture or video 270 of a tree 269 using a camera 268 toyield data1 270. The authorized user device 208 can be used to generatea file 270, and the file 270 can be uploaded to the data storage device274 on the plurality of networked servers 202 as identified by their toplevel username or other related password or data. Because all theplatforms 218A-K are integrated into the same rewards-based, universal,integrated code base 203, there is new interoperability that is possiblewith respect to data management.

In one example, data1 270 originates on the authorized user device 208and can be automatically uploaded to the communication module 229 to thedata storage device 274. The data storage device, computer memory andthe like 274 can correspond to the memory 315 (including ROM 320 and RAM325) of FIG. 3. The data storage device 274 operates in connection withor is integrated with the rewards-based, universal, integrated code base203 which enables the sharing of the data1 270 with other data2 272, orwith any of the platforms 218A-K. This integration means that users donot have to open or click on a platform or go to a website to “open up”a recipient environment to receive (drag and drop) an image, file orother data. For example, in a current scenario, the user might beviewing an image or a word document and desire to store that image. Adrop-down menu can be accessed in which the user can “save” the documentat a certain location such as in a file system or a particular folder.If the user then desires to add that file or image to an application orwebsite, user has to open up the application and drag and drop that filefrom the particular folder to the destination application or website.

However, in an integrated environment 200 as disclosed herein, the usercould use a drop-down menu to “save” the file or move it directly to aplatform 218A-K. For example, because the user's interactions in therewards-based, universal, integrated code base 203 are based on theirtop level username, a drop-down menu could be populated with options tosave the file or move a copy of the file to a particular platform 218A-Kassociated with the user. Thus, such saving options or other actionsassociated with the file 270, 272 can be prepopulated in drop-down menusor in other graphical presentations based on the possible platformdestinations that are associated with the user in their top levelusername. The interaction between any document or file managed by thedata/privacy/file storage management module 236 and associatedplatforms/websites can be static or dynamic. A static relationship meansthat the user may make a change to the document or add the document to achosen platform based on, for example, a selection in a drop-down menu.Where a document has a dynamic relationship with one or more platformsand/or websites, the user may make a change to the document or set upthe document initially with the dynamic relationship such that makingchanges to the document, or saving the document initially, causes thedocument as a new document or as a changed document to promulgateautomatically to all the related platforms and/or websites. A user couldchange a text file and those changes can automatically promulgate forexample to three different platforms that present the document. Thedocument can be an image that is replaced automatically with a new imageacross the dynamic group of related platforms and/or websites.

In another aspect, the rewards-based, universal, integrated code base203 can include platforms for a document editor 276, an image/videoeditor 278 and a presentation editor 280. These can be comparable toexisting applications for generating these different types of documents.Other editors such a spreadsheet editor, a computer aided graphicaldesign platform, and so forth can be provided as well. Because theseeditors are integrated into the rewards-based, universal, integratedcode base 203, users of an authorized user device 208 can access theseeditors and create documents that can be saved in the data storagedevice 274. Again, because of the integration of the various editors276, 278, 280, into the rewards-based, universal, integrated code base203, and because the user of these various editors accesses the system200 using their top level username, saving options associated withcreated documents 270, 272 can be populated with possible destinationplatforms 218 A-K associated with that user. In one aspect, destinationplatforms can be part of a defined group as disclosed herein, can beassociated with one top level username or be grouped in some otherfashion.

In one example, privacy controls or file management controls might beselected by the user which can impact the possible destinations for thedata 270, 272. For example, if a user places a high level of privacy ondata2 272, then the possible options for accessing or sharing that datamight be limited in terms of possible destinations presented in adrop-down menu. This disclosure introduces new concepts with respect tohow data of any type can be moved or shared not just from one folderlocation to another but also across different platforms that areintegrated into the rewards-based, universal, integrated code base 203.

The data/privacy/file storage management module 236 performs operationsto manage and enable users to share the data in new ways. The operationsperformed by the data/privacy/file storage management module 236 caninclude storing, in a data storage memory device 274, the data 270, 272for the respective user based on a top level username or otheridentification information. Data/privacy/file storage management module236 can receive a command from the respective user to perform an actionon the data 270, 272, the action being related to using the data on arespective platform 218A-K associated with the respective user and thetop level username or other identification. For example, the user mightupload a picture 270 which could be, for example, a new fall menu for arestaurant that is currently posting a summer menu. The command from theuser might be to replace the summer menu (which can be identified by taginformation or metadata associated with the image of the summer menu)with the fall menu. Various optional actions can be populated in adrop-down menu as noted above.

In one aspect, the data/privacy/file storage management module 236provides an integration of data (any type of data) and is a repositoryof any data that can then be used across any platform 218A-K or anyother data across the rewards-based, universal, integrated code base203. There is no longer in this case, for example, a separate Dropbox®that stores data but that operates independently of Amazon WebServices®.

The data/privacy/file storage management module 236 then performs, basedon the command and exclusively in the rewards-based, universal,integrated code base 203, the action on the data of the respective useron the respective platform 218A-K. The user might have a platform formobile orders and a hosted website hosted via the web hosting platform218I, as well as an approved site 258. The command to replace a pictureacross these various platforms can be carried out by thedata/privacy/file storage management module 236 such that the user doesnot need to drag and drop, or open up an application, or perform someother traditional operation to activate an application or go to awebsite to change out an image. The command can enable thedata/privacy/file storage management module 236 to swap out the pictureswith the new picture in an easy fashion.

The data/privacy/file storage management module 236 can make the dataavailable to a social media platform 218B, an email/messaging platform218E, a media platform 218G or any other platform associated with thecode base 203. For example, if a user utilizes the document editor 276,they can revise an existing text document. When the user updates thedocument, the user can tag the update or can perform other operations.The document might be an article that is posted on a blog platform and anews platform or other platforms as well. A drop-down menu can providegraphical options for the user to make the document and the platforms itis posted on static or dynamic. If the user makes the document and/orplatforms dynamic, then the update to the document can be automaticallypopulated across the platforms that use the article/document. Thetagging of the document can be used to link the document to articles onthe one or more platforms in one example. When the dynamic document issaved, the various platforms that are linked to that document or thatare identified as presenting that document, are also automatically anddynamically changed as well. Updating becomes very easy in this context.Users can also promulgate new documents to one or more platforms in asimilar manner. Note that this refers to the editing of a document, andhaving those changes promulgated to the platforms—and not to a usergoing, for example, to a website or a news platform and editing dataalready on the platform.

Users can also save documents to platforms. A document can be created orrevised and a “save as” or “save to” option can present the user'splatform(s) as an option of where to post or save the document orrevised document. The data can also represent collected data associatedwith user interactions with the ecosystem 200.

The data/privacy/file storage management module 236 can perform furtheroperations including receiving and storing tag information for the data,wherein the performing of the action occurs with reference to the taginformation for the data. The tag information can include any metadataidentifying, classifying, or related to the data. For example, a menucan be tagged as a “summer menu” and a new image provided to the systemcan be tagged as a “fall menu.” Then, when the user uploads the fallmenu, the command can be “replace the summer menu with the fall menu”and that replacement action can occur across the platforms where the“fall menu” might be presented as part of a user interface. Theplatforms might include websites hosted in the rewards-based, universal,integrated code base 203, other platforms (like applications but in therewards-based, universal, integrated code base 203) or websites 258hosted external to the rewards-based, universal, integrated code base203 but that are approved third-party sites 266. Social media,YouTube-like platforms, messaging and so forth can receive or use thedata that is within the system. There is no need in this scenario forthe user to open up any of the platforms or access any of the websitesto achieve the replacement or updating of the menu. Data that can bepromulgated across platforms via a command can include text (updatecurrent chapter 3 with the new chapter 3 of the book), video (replacethe May 30^(th) newscast with the June 1^(st) newscast), or other data.

Thus, the data of the respective user can include a picture or a videoand performing the action can include replacing the data on a platformor adding the picture or the video (or other data) to the respectiveplatform in the first instance.

Performing, based on the command and exclusively in the rewards-based,universal, integrated code base 203, the action on the data of therespective user on the respective platform further can include movingthe data from the data storage memory device 274 to the respectiveplatform without downloading the data from data storage memory device274 of the rewards-based, universal, integrated code base 203 to adevice 204, 206, 208, 210, 212, 214, 216 external to the rewards-based,universal, integrated code base 203. Once the data is stored in the datastorage memory device 274 of the system 200, it does not need to bedownloaded or uploaded to a different device.

In another aspect, performing, based on the command and exclusively inthe rewards-based, universal, integrated code base 203, the action onthe data of the respective user on the respective platform further caninclude moving the data from the data storage memory device 274 to therespective platform without the respective user manually opening oraccessing the respective platform. In other words, the user does nothave to open a platform or access a website to drag and drop an image orvideo or other data. The user does not have to open up a social mediaplatform or application, or messaging/emailing application or platformand drop the image or video into a social media post or a message. Theuser can provide a command directly and attach the data to a socialmedia posting or message/text/email. The interconnectivity of thevarious platforms and authorized sites enables a data managementcapability not currently possible in the Internet or an app storecontext.

In one aspect, the command can cause a file or posting to occur on oneor more platforms at once. A company for example, may have severalplatforms or sites within the rewards-based, universal, integrated codebase 203. A file such as an image might need to be updated across theplatforms. One command can post the file across all the platforms atonce thus making the process more streamlined.

In another aspect, performing, based on the command and exclusively inthe rewards-based, universal, integrated code base 203, the action onthe data of the respective user on the respective platform further caninclude moving the data from the data storage memory device 274 to therespective platform without the respective user entering a universalresource locator into a browser (such as on their user device 208) toaccess the respective platform or interacting with a graphical icon toactivate the respective platform.

In yet another aspect, performing, based on the command and exclusivelyin the rewards-based, universal, integrated code base 203, the action onthe data of the respective user on the respective platform further caninclude utilizing tag information associated with the data to move thedata from the data storage memory device 274 to the respective platformwithout the respective user entering a universal resource locator into abrowser to access the respective platform or interacting with agraphical icon to activate or identify the respective platform. In thiscase, the platform can also cover an “app” integrated into therewards-based, universal, integrated code base 203, a website hosted onthe rewards-based, universal, integrated code base 203 and/or anexternal third-party site 258, 260, 262 that is authorized 266.

In another aspect, performing, based on the command and exclusively inthe rewards-based, universal, integrated code base 203, the action onthe data of the respective user on the respective platform further caninclude moving the data from the data storage memory device 274 to therespective platform, social media post, message/text/email, without therespective user performing any action to identify, open or activate therespective platform in order to perform the action.

In yet another aspect, performing, based on the command and exclusivelyin the rewards-based, universal, integrated code base 203, the action onthe data of the respective user on the respective platform further caninclude replacing current data in the respective platform with the dataof the respective user to yield new data in the respective platform.

In another aspect, receiving a command from the respective user furthercan include receiving the command from an authorized user device 208external to the plurality of network-based computer servers 202operating the rewards-based, universal, integrated code base 203. Theauthorized user device 208 is granted access to the rewards-based,universal, integrated code base 203 for the respective user to managethe data and the respective platform or platforms. The authorized userdevice 208 receives a user interface from the system 200 and theauthorized user device 208 does not download applications or the data ofthe respective user when interacting with the rewards-based, universal,integrated code base 203. The respective user will provide the data tothe system via the authorized user device 208 and according to the toplevel username or some other identifying data.

The respective user has in one example multiple platforms operating onthe rewards-based, universal, integrated code base 203. In this case,the respective user and the multiple platforms are each associated withthe top level username and the action performed on data of therespective user is performed on any one or more of the multipleplatforms operating on the rewards-based, universal, integrated codebase 203 via the command and without the respective user opening oractivating any of the multiple platforms.

FIG. 6A illustrates a method 600 embodiment related to data managementin the rewards-based, universal, integrated code base 203. An examplemethod 600 can include receiving, at a plurality of network-basedcomputer servers operating a rewards-based, universal, integrated codebase 203, data from an authorized user device of a user, the user havinga top level username for use in the rewards-based, universal, integratedcode base 203, wherein the authorized user device is authorized toaccess and use the rewards-based, universal, integrated code base 203(602). The method can include storing, in a data storage memory deviceassociated with the plurality of network-based computer servers andbased on the top level username, the data for the user (604), receivinga command from the user to perform an action on the data, the actionrelated to using the data on a platform associated with the user, theplatform operating as part of the rewards-based, universal, integratedcode base 203 and the platform ownership being assigned to the top levelusername of the user (606) and performing, based on the command andexclusively in the rewards-based, universal, integrated code base 203,the action on the data of the user related to the platform (608).

The plurality of platforms operate together on the rewards-based,universal, integrated code base 203 and each platform of the pluralityof platforms operate for a respective entity that agrees to aninformation exchange framework with other platforms and users of therewards-based, universal, integrated code base 203. Note that not everydevice can simply gain access to the system 200. An unauthorized userdevice 110, 112, 114 is not granted access to the rewards-based,universal, integrated code base 203. Such an unauthorized device willnot have a proper code, the proper hardware component 350, token, toplevel username, password or other characteristic that is recognized bythe communication module 229 to grant access to the rewards-based,universal, integrated code base 203.

Part of the platform agreement to join the rewards-based, universal,integrated code base 203 can include an agreement that a certainpercentage of a sale is paid to the entity operating the rewards-based,universal, integrated code base 203. For example, the percentage of asale could be 10% of each sale. If a merchant platform sells a pair ofshoes for $100, then the merchant 224, 226 will receive $90 and $10 isreserved or paid to the entity operating the rewards-based, universal,integrated code base 203 which can then be divided up for example with aportion of the $10 being provided to the purchasing user as a reward(rebate) which can be redeemed or spent with merchants or platformsassociated with the rewards-based, universal, integrated code base 203.Another portion of the $10 can be used to operate the rewards-based,universal, integrated code base 203 and another portion could beprovided to a charity or other entity as well. Another portion could beprovided to the user of the rewards-based, universal, integrated codebase 203 who referred the purchaser (user) to the rewards-based,universal, integrated code base 203.

The plurality of platforms 218A-K can include respective platforms andeach respective platform provides one or more of social media processes,video usage, image usage, merchant sales, messaging, map usage, websiteaccess, payments, camera usage, microphone usage and sensor usage. Otherfunctionality can of course be included because platforms are generallycomparable generally to applications downloadable on devices. Anyfunction in an application can be converted to a platform and integratedinto the rewards-based, universal, integrated code base 203. Anyapplication or the functionality of such an application can beincorporated into a platform and integrated into the rewards-based,universal, integrated code base 203 to provide the improvedrewards-based interactive ability provided by the application beingconverted into a “platform” operating in the rewards-based, universal,integrated code base 203.

The method can further include receiving and storing tag information forthe data, wherein the performing of the action occurs with reference tothe tag information for the data. The data of the user can include anytype of data such as a picture or a video. The method can includeperforming the action that can include adding the picture or the video(or other data) to the platform of the user. The data, where permitted,can also be added to, switched in, or deleted from any other platform ifa user has authorization to control data or make data changes inconnection with any platform 218A-K.

Performing, based on the command and exclusively in the rewards-based,universal, integrated code base 203, the action on the data of the useron the platform further can include moving the data from the datastorage memory device 274 to the platform without downloading the datafrom data storage memory device of the rewards-based, universal,integrated code base 203 to the authorized user device which is externalto the rewards-based, universal, integrated code base 203.

The moving or management of data in the rewards-based, universal,integrated code base 203 is thus different in practice from thetraditional downloading and uploading of data or images to apps orwebsites.

In one aspect, images or video (or other data such as a file) taken on amobile authorized user device 208 or any other user device can beautomatically uploaded to the rewards-based, universal, integrated codebase 203 and thus ready for additional instructions or commands tooperate on the data. In another aspect, documents, usable by such asapplications as Microsoft® Word®, Excel®, or PowerPoint®, or any otherdocument created on any user device 204, 206, 208, 210, 212, 214, 216can be processed in a new way. While, in some cases, a local copy of afile, data or document might reside on the authorized user device 208, acopy can also automatically be provided to the rewards-based, universal,integrated code base 203 in preparation for any action that the usermight desire to take on the data with respect to moving the data to aplatform or site. Data synchronization can occur between the user makingchanges to data on the local authorized user device 208 and a copy ofthe data stored in the rewards-based, universal, integrated code base203. The data never leaves or can always reside within the memory 315,274 associated with the servers 202 operating the rewards-based,universal, integrated code base 203. The data can always be available,as managed by a privacy management module 236, to the various platformsand users.

FIG. 6B illustrates a method 620 that is performed from the standpointof the authorized user device 204, 206, 208, 210, 212, 214, 216. Themethod can include accessing, based on an authorization component on anauthorized user device 208 and via a communications module 229, aplurality of network-based computer servers 202 that operate arewards-based, universal, integrated code base 203, wherein therewards-based, universal, integrated code base 203 includes a pluralityof integrated platforms 218A-K and enables at least one or more ofrewards, payments and data sharing between the plurality of integratedplatforms 218A-K (622), interacting with at least one of the pluralityof integrated platforms 218A-K via a downloaded user interface in whichthe plurality of network-based computer servers 202 does not downloadapplication or platform code to the authorized user device 208 (624) andparticipating, based on the use of the authorized user device 208 havingthe authorization component 350, in at least one of receiving rewards,making payments and sharing data amongst other users in therewards-based, universal, integrated code base 203 (626).

Real-Time Auctions and the Auction/Real-Time Bidding Management Module

An aspect of this disclosure relates to new functions and operationsrelated to real-time auctions which are available either for sellers orbidders and buyers in the context of each user having an authorized userdevice 208 enabled to interact with the rewards-based universalintegrated code base 203 and associated platforms 218A-K thereon. Anyentity can engage in a real-time auction. For example, a platform can bedeveloped to enable a merchant to auction off products or services. Inanother aspect, a merchant may sell in a traditional way its productsand services but periodically desire to engage in a real-time auctioneither to move merchandise or to fill, for example, an opening in aschedule of a dentist or hair dresser. The auction/real-time biddingmanagement module 242 can be used to provide auction-based functionalityto such platforms. The auction/real-time bidding management module 242can also provide to any user of an authorized user device 208 theability to simply start a real-time auction as well. In other words,this functionality is not limited only to actual merchants or formalplatforms 218A-K but can be available to any entity having a top levelusername and an authorized user device 208.

Users can enter an auction, bid in the auction, counter a bid, act as aseller or a buyer or bidder, from any platform or anywhere in therewards-based, universal, integrated code base 203. The auction can beinteracted with from any state or any currently active state or platformon an authorized user device 208.

Several features related to the auction functionality are disclosedherein. In one example, a user might desire to start a static auctionand take a picture of an item and simply start an auction without a timerequirement. A static auction does not have a timing element to it inthe same way as a dynamic auction does. For example, a static auctioncould involve placing an item up for sale in a static auction. The itemwould be available for bidding but without a timing component or withoutthe presentation of a timing object that notifies the user when theauction is complete. In another aspect, a static auction could have anending time but the auction may not be configured as a live auction inwhich bids and counter bids are exchanged in a real-time fashion.

In another aspect, the auction could be real-time and dynamic.Generally, the process involves the seller starting a real-time auctionfor an item. Potential bidders get a notification that the real-timeauction has begun. The notification can come in any context and may bedelivered through any currently active platform 218A-K that thepotential bidders is interacting with. Because all of the platforms218A-K in the rewards-based, universal, integrated code base 203 operatetogether, a potential bidder could already be active on any platformsuch as a social media platform 218B, a video platform 218G, a messagingplatform 218E, and so forth, and could receive a notice through thecurrently active user interface associated with a particular platform.The notice could identify that the auction is starting.

In one aspect, the potential bidder could identify in a user profileitems of interest such that the notification comes when an item matchingthe description is placed up for auction. The user elects to join theauction and in so doing, the user can be instantly placed in an actualreal-time live auction. Other user profile data could be stored tofilter notifications of real-time auctions. User data could includeseller data, price range data, timing data, historical data, and ofcourse a description of the desired product or service. For example, theuser might want to go to the dentist that day and can indicate that theyhave a three hour opening for a dentist visit and be willing to join alive auction of an opening from a dentist in their area during thattime.

In another aspect, auctions can occur in multiple phases and not bestuck in a single state. For example, an auction can begin as a staticauction and then become dynamic at a preset time or as manuallyindicated by the seller. A seller could decide that most of his or herpotential bidders are likely going to be in a position of bidding in themorning. The seller could establish the auction the night before but seta time for the next morning at which the auction goes live. Notices cango out indicating the future time that the auction will go live ornotices may go out at the time the auction goes live.

As noted above, buyers could also preset conditions such as prices. Forexample, the user may desire a certain type of chair and preset a priceof $100 they are willing to pay for such a chair. Other parameters suchas the condition of the item, a location of the item, an age of theitem, a color of the item, and so forth can be established. If anauction is initiated with an item that matches the description, thebidder might immediately be placed in the auction and a bid presented ontheir behalf based on the preset initial price. The auction/real-timebidding management module 242 can manage the auction not just from thestandpoint of the seller but also from the standpoint of the bidder(s)as well.

In another aspect, an auction can be initiated based on inventory. Forexample, if a company has 100 extra widgets that it needs to sell, thesystem can initiate an auction for those 100 items. Thus, a real-timeauction can be triggered or initiated based on inventory of an item orservice. The inventory might be open slots as well on the serviceprovided by a dentist, doctor, heating and air-conditioning service, orhairdresser. Local services such as lawn mowing or snow shoveling couldbe auctioned off using this service. Any service provider may have anopening that is available for a real-time auction to be initiated tofill that slot.

In yet another aspect, sellers with zero items left may experience dueto tracking their inventory a conclusion of any auction associated withthe items now out of stock. However, in one aspect, the seller cansimply add a quantity more than one to their stock and bring the staticor live auction back to life. In other words, the state or status of theauction can automatically adjust based on whether inventory is abovezero or not. Other parameters associated with the action can also adjustsuch as pricing (1 item added to inventory or 100 items added) and soforth. This can be done with an inventory management model that can beconfigured as part of the rewards/loan management module 232 or theauction/real-time bidding management module 242.

In the traditional world, the user might receive an email notice that anauction has started that they might be interested in. However, thatnotice comes within, for example, the eBay® application that is walledoff from other applications as described above. In the present context,the user can elect to be alerted or notified when the auction starts nomatter what the current state is of their user interface or whatplatform they are on. The alert will then come in any environment or anyplatform that is currently active. The notice does not just come to aparticular app or via a text or email. The notice of a real-time actionfor an item or service is presented in the currently active platformthat the user is interacting with.

As noted above, embodiments of the auction concept can relate tostructures, systems or methods from the standpoint of the rewards-based,universal, integrated code base 203, or an authorized user device 208and from the standpoint of the seller or the bidder user interface.

An example method is shown in FIG. 7A. This method 700 of performing anauction relates to the operations from the standpoint of anauction/real-time bidding management module 242 on the rewards-based,universal, integrated code base 203. A method can include one or moresteps of receiving, from an interaction with a seller user interface ofa seller authorized user device 208, an indication that a seller usingthe seller authorized user device 208 desires to start a real-timeauction, wherein the seller user interface presents a platformassociated with a top level username of the seller, the platformoperating on a rewards-based, universal, integrated code base 203 with aplurality of other platforms 218A-K (702), receiving, from the seller,an identification of a product or service for sale in the real-timeauction (704), receiving, from the seller, a selection of a price and alength of time the real-time auction is to run (706) and receiving, froma bidder interacting with a bidder authorized user device 208, a requestto enter the real-time auction, wherein the bidder authorized userdevice is authorized to participate in the rewards-based, universal,integrated code base 203 (708).

The method can further include presenting, based on the request to enterthe real-time auction, a bidder user interface on the bidder authorizeduser device 208, the bidder user interface having a bid field and atiming object associated with the length of time (710), receiving a bidfrom the bidder in the bid field of the bidder user interface (712),presenting, on the seller user interface of the seller authorized userdevice, a listing of the bid from the bidder and other bids from otherbidders, if any, to yield one or more bidder object, wherein each bidderobject of the one or more bidder object can include a respective sellercounter object and a respective seller accept object (714) andreceiving, from the seller user interface, when the seller selects therespective seller counter object, a seller bid back price in response tothe bid from the bidder and bids from the other bidders, if any, whereinthe seller bid back price is associated with a user selection of one ormore of the bidder and other bidders (716).

Furthermore, the method can include transmitting to the bidderauthorized user device 208 and each respective other bidder authorizeduser device 208, if any, the seller bid back price and the timing objectand a respective bidder counter object and a respective bidder acceptobject (718). When one of the bidder or the other bidders interacts withthe respective accept bidder object on their respective bidderauthorized user device 208 or respective other bidder authorized userdevice 208 to yield a buyer, the method includes completing a sale ofthe product or service from the seller to the buyer (720). When none ofthe bidder or the other bidders interacts with the respective bidderaccept object, the method includes receiving one or more bidder counterback bids from the bidder or the other bidders and presenting the one ormore bidder counter back bids on the seller authorized user device 208(722). When the seller accepts a respective bidder counter back bid fromthe one or more bidder counter back bids on the seller authorized userdevice 208 to yield the buyer, the method includes completing the saleof the product or service from the seller to the buyer (724).

Based on the indication, the method can include causing a camerafunction to become active on the seller authorized user device 208 toobtain a photo of the product or service. The system can then integratethe obtained photo or video into the real-time auction. This can enablea normal user (not a merchant) to easily participate in the auctionfeatures.

The step of receiving, from the seller, the identification of theproduct or service for sale in the real-time auction further can includethe seller taking a picture of the product or service and providing adescription and shipping terms for the product or service.

A plurality of bidders can be bidding for the product or service. In oneaspect, the auction is a blind auction because from the viewpoint of theseller, the seller does not know all of the bidders and furthermore, thebidders do not know of other bidders as well.

A payment from the buyer to the seller for the product or service can bemade using rewards earned by the buyer by interacting with platformsoperating on the rewards-based, universal, integrated code base 203. Inanother aspect, the payment for purchase product or service can includea combination of rewards, fiat currency, crypto occurrence, or any otheritem including digital assets of value or coupons. In one aspect, thesystem might cause tax payments to be made in fiat currency while thecore cost of an item or service is made in rewards-based currency thatis used internally for purchasing products and services across platformsin the rewards-based, universal, integrated code base 203.

The seller authorized user device 208 and the bidder authorized userdevice 208 each can have an access component 350 which enables theseller authorized user device 208 and the bidder authorized user device208 to access the rewards-based, universal, integrated code base 203 andinteract with the platforms 218A-K operating on the rewards-based,universal, integrated code base 203.

The step of receiving, from the seller user interface, the seller bidback price in response to the bid from the bidder and bids from theother bidders, further can include the seller identifying the seller bidback price for all of a current set of bidders. In another aspect, thestep of receiving, from the seller user interface, the seller bid backprice in response to the bid from the bidder and bids from the otherbidders, further can include the seller identifying a subset of biddersfrom a current set of bidders to which the seller bid back price will bepresented. The subset can include one or more bidders.

Another aspect is shown in FIG. 7B. A method 730 of performing anauction can include one or more steps in any order. This method ispracticed from the standpoint of the rewards-based, universal,integrated code base 203. The method can include receiving, from aninteraction with a seller user interface of a seller authorized userdevice 208, an indication that the seller desires to start a real-timeauction, wherein the seller user interface presents a platformassociated with a top level username of the seller, the platformoperating on a rewards-based, universal, integrated code base 203 with aplurality of other platforms (732), receiving, from the seller, anidentification of a product or service for sale in the real-time auction(734), receiving, from the seller, a selection of a price for theproduct or service and receiving, from a respective bidder of aplurality of bidders, each respective bidder interacting with arespective bidder authorized user device 208, a respective request toenter the real-time auction, wherein each respective bidder authorizeduser device 208 is authorized to participate in the rewards-based,universal, integrated code base 203 (736).

The method can then include presenting, based on the respective requestto enter the real-time auction, a respective bidder user interface onthe respective bidder authorized user device 208, the respective bidderuser interface having a respective bid field and a respective timingobject (738), receiving a respective bid from the respective bidder inthe respective bid field of the respective bidder user interface (740),and presenting on the seller user interface of the seller authorizeduser device 208, a listing of the respective bid for each respectivebidder, wherein each respective bid in the listing can include arespective seller counter object and a respective seller accept objectfor the seller to select if desired (742).

The method can include, when the seller accepts one bid from the listingof the respective bid for each respective bidder to yield a buyer,completing a sale of the product or service to the buyer (744). When theseller does not accept any bid from the listing of the respective bidfor each respective bidder, the method further can include receiving,from the seller and on the seller user interface, a seller bid backprice in response to the listing of the respective bid for eachrespective bidder (746), iterating between a current seller bid backprice being received and transmitted to currently remaining bidderauthorized user devices 208 and a current bidder bid back price beingreceived and transmitted to the seller authorized user device 208 untileither the seller accepts the current bidder bid back price or one ofthe respective bidders associated with the currently remaining bidderauthorized user devices 208 accepts the current seller bid back price(748) and, based on an acceptance by the seller or the buyer from therespective bidders associated with the currently remaining bidderauthorized user devices 208 of the sale of the product or service,completing the sale of the product or service from the seller to thebuyer (750).

The method can further include receiving from the seller a length oftime the real-time auction is to run, the length of time reflected inthe respective timing object. The iterating between a current seller bidback price being received and transmitted to currently remaining bidderauthorized user devices 208 and a current bidder bid back price beingreceived and transmitted to the seller authorized user device can occuruntil a time limit chosen by the seller has passed for the real-timeauction.

An example system relates to an embodiment from the standpoint of theplurality of servers 202 operating the rewards-based, universal,integrated code base 203. In this regard, a system can include aplurality of network-based computer servers 202, a plurality ofauthorized user devices 204, 206, 208, 210, 212, 214, 216, arewards-based, universal, integrated code base 203 operating across theplurality of network-based computer servers 202 for use by the pluralityof user devices 204, 206, 208, 210, 212, 214, 216 and an auctionmanagement module 242 operating on the rewards-based, universal,integrated code base 203.

The auction management module 242 (also called an auction/real-timebidding management module 242) can be configured to perform operationswhich can include receiving, from an interaction with a seller userinterface of a seller authorized user device 208 of the plurality ofauthorized user devices 204, 206, 208, 210, 212, 214, 216, an indicationthat a seller desires to start a real-time auction, receiving, from theseller authorized user device 208, an identification of a product orservice for sale in the real-time auction, receiving, from the sellerauthorized user device 208, a selection of a price and a length of timethe real-time auction is to run, and receiving, from a bidder authorizeduser device associated with a bidder, a request to enter the real-timeauction, wherein the bidder authorized user device is authorized toparticipate in the rewards-based, universal, integrated code base 203.

The operations can further include presenting, based on the request toenter the real-time auction, a bidder user interface on the bidderauthorized user device 208, the bidder user interface having a bid fieldand a timing object, receiving a bid from the bidder in the bid field ofthe bidder user interface, presenting on the seller user interface ofthe seller authorized user device 208, a listing of the bid from thebidder and other bids from other bidders, if any, to yield one or morebidder object. Each bidder object of the one or more bidder object caninclude a respective seller counter object and a respective selleraccept object.

The operations can further include receiving, from the seller and on theseller user interface, a seller bid back price in response to the bidfrom the bidder and bids from the other bidders, if any, wherein theseller bid back price is associated with a user-selectable one or moreof the bidder and other bidders, and transmitting to the bidderauthorized user device 208 and each respective other bidder authorizeduser device 208, if any, the seller bid back price and the timing objectand a respective bidder counter object and a respective bidder acceptobject. When one of the bidder or the other bidders interacts with therespective bidder accept object on their respective bidder authorizeduser device 208 or respective other bidder authorized user device 208 toyield a buyer, the operations can include completing a sale of theproduct or service from the seller to the buyer. When none of the bidderor the other bidders interacts with the respective bidder accept object,and when the seller receives one or more bidder counter back bids fromthe bidder or the other bidders, the operations can include presentingthe one or more bidder counter back bids on the seller authorized userdevice 208. When the seller accepts a respective bidder counter back bidfrom the one or more bidder counter back bids on the seller authorizeduser device 208 to yield the buyer, the operations can includecompleting the sale of the product or service from the seller to thebuyer.

The auction/real-time bidding management module 242 (or auctionmanagement module 242) can perform operations further including, basedon the indication, causing a camera function to become active on theseller authorized user device to obtain a photo of the product orservice. The receiving, from the seller, of the identification of theproduct or service for sale in the real-time auction further can includethe seller taking a picture of the product or service and providing adescription and shipping terms for the product or service.

A plurality of bidders can bid for the product or service and theidentification of other bidders can be kept secret by the system. Apayment from the buyer to the seller for the product or service can bemade using rewards earned by the buyer by interacting with platforms218A-K operating on the rewards-based, universal, integrated code base203.

The authorized user device 208 and the bidder authorized user device 208each can have an access component 350 which enables the authorized userdevice 208 and the bidder authorized user device 208 to access therewards-based, universal, integrated code base 203 and interact with theplatforms operating no the rewards-based, universal, integrated codebase 203.

The operation of receiving, from the seller and on the seller userinterface, the seller bid back price in response to the bid from thebidder and bids from the other bidders, further can include the selleridentifying the seller bid back price for all of a current set ofbidders.

The operation of receiving, from the seller and on the seller userinterface, the seller bid back price in response to the bid from thebidder and bids from the other bidders, further can include the selleridentifying a subset of bidders from a current set of bidders to whichthe seller bid back price will be presented. The subset can include anyone or more of the current set up bidders. A respective timing for eachrespective counter bid can also be established by the user such thatsome bidders get the respective counter bid at a different time thanother bidders.

As noted above, an embodiment related to actions can include anauthorized user device 208. In this regard, the authorized user device208 can include a processor and an access component 350 enabling theauthorized user device 208 to communicate with a plurality ofnetwork-based computer servers 202 that operate a rewards-based,universal, integrated code base 203 for use by the authorized userdevice 208 and a plurality of other authorized user devices 208. Theauthorized user device 208 can also include a bidder user interfaceoperating on the authorized user device 208, the bidder user interfacebeing transmitted to the authorized user device 208 from an auctionmanagement module 242 operating on the rewards-based, universal,integrated code base 203 and can include at least a timing object and abid field.

The authorized user device 208 is configured to perform operationsincluding transmitting, from a respective bidder of a plurality ofbidders, the respective bidder interacting with the authorized userdevice 208, a request to enter a real-time auction, wherein a sellerusing a seller authorized user device 208 initiated the real-timeauction by identifying a product or a service for sale, a price and alength of time the auction is to run, the length of time being indicatedin the timing object on the bidder user interface, transmitting, to theauction management module 242 operating on the rewards-based, universal,integrated code base 203, a bid from the bidder in the bid field of thebidder user interface. A seller user interface of a seller authorizeduser device 208 can present a listing of the bid for the bidder andother bids of other bidders, wherein each respective bid in the listingcan include a respective seller counter object and a respective selleraccept object for the seller to select if desired.

When the seller does not accept any bid from the listing of the bid forthe bidder and other bids of other bidders, the operations can includereceiving and presenting on the bidder user interface, a seller bid backprice, wherein the auction management module 242 iterates between acurrent seller bid back price being received and transmitted tocurrently remaining bidder authorized user devices 208 and a currentbidder bid back price being received and transmitted to the sellerauthorized user device 208 until either the seller accepts the currentbidder bid back price or one of the respective bidders associated withthe currently remaining bidder authorized user devices 208 accepts thecurrent seller bid back price. When the bidder accepts the currentseller bid back price to convert the bidder to a buyer, the operationscan include completing a sale of the product or service from the sellerto the buyer utilizing a payment process applying one or more of earnedrewards by the buyer by interacting with platforms in the rewards-based,universal, integrated code base 203, fiat currency or cryptocurrency.

FIG. 7C illustrates an example method 770 from the standpoint of theauthorized user device 208. A method in this regard includestransmitting, from a respective bidder of a plurality of bidders, therespective bidder interacting with the authorized user device 208, arequest to enter a real-time auction, wherein a seller using a sellerauthorized user device initiated the real-time auction by identifying aproduct or a service for sale, a price and a length of time the auctionis to run, the length of time being indicated in the timing object onthe bidder user interface (772), transmitting, to the auction managementmodule 242 operating on the rewards-based, universal, integrated codebase 203, a bid from the bidder in the bid field of the bidder userinterface, wherein a seller user interface of a seller authorized userdevice presents a listing of the bid for the bidder and other bids ofother bidders, wherein each respective bid in the listing can include arespective seller counter object and a respective seller accept objectfor the seller to select if desired (774).

When the seller does not accept any bid from the listing of the bid forthe bidder and other bids of other bidders, the method includesreceiving and presenting on the bidder user interface, a seller bid backprice, wherein the auction management module 242 iterates between acurrent seller bid back price being received and transmitted tocurrently remaining bidder authorized user devices 208 and a currentbidder bid back price being received and transmitted to the sellerauthorized user device 208 until either the seller accepts the currentbidder bid back price or one of the respective bidders associated withthe currently remaining bidder authorized user devices 208 accepts thecurrent seller bid back price (776).

When the bidder accepts the current seller bid back price to convert thebidder to a buyer, the method includes completing a sale of the productor service from the seller to the buyer utilizing a payment processapplying one or more of earned rewards by the buyer by interacting withplatforms in the rewards-based, universal, integrated code base, fiatcurrency or cryptocurrency (778).

In one aspect, the buyer can receive a rebate for the purchase when theypurchase a product or service via the auction of any type. The rebatecan be in a percentage or by other approaches. The rebate or reward canalso be variable or dynamic and change over the time of the auction. Forexample, greater rewards for the buyer can occur for an acceptance of aninitial bid or the first X bids by the seller. The value of the rebateor reward can diminish over time and further bidding occurs.

FIGS. 8A-8O illustrates various user interfaces for carrying outauctions in the context disclosed herein. For example, FIG. 8Aillustrates a bidder user interface 800 in which a search field 802 ispresented as well as various options 804 associated with topics or typesof auctions. For example, auctions related to a car, home, sports,feature auctions, or tech auctions can be selected by the user. Also, a“now” feature can be selectable by the user which might indicate dynamicreal-time auctions or to initiate an auction in the real-time state.

The various selectable objects can include an object 806 whichidentifies car-related auctions and can bring up auctions of this type.Object 808 can represent a static auction in which a time frame 812indicates the remaining time available in the auction and theopportunity to bid 810. This auction could simply end after theindicated time and the highest bidder could then be notified that theyhave won the auction. Object 807 illustrates a real-time auction asindicated by the “now” notification 809. This auction is a type ofauction described in more detail above and herein in which the sellerdynamically receives one or more bids from various bidders and canprovide an independent counter bid or a universal counter bid in aniterative process between the seller and one or more bidders in order toarrive potentially at an agreed-upon price for the item or service.

Object 814 is another image and references a skateboard which can be anexample of a sports topic which the user can click on and see skateboardor sports related auctions. Feature 811 can represent an indication tothe user that there might be multiple current real-time auctionscurrently active for couches. The user can interact with this object 811and engage in numerous real-time dynamic auctions related to couches orany topic as identified by a graphical object.

FIG. 8B illustrates an example user interface which can be a seller userinterface 800 presented on a seller authorized user device 208. Here,the seller might be given an opportunity to initiate a new real-timeinstant auction via an object 816. A static new listing could also beinitiated by interacting with a new listing selectable object 818. Shownin the user interface in FIG. 8B are a number of listings which indicatevarious items for sale in the auction and data about the status of theauction such as the highest bid, the number of page views, the number ofbids that are being waited for in a live instant auction, and the statusof whether the auction is an instant auction or not.

For example, a car is part of listing 820 and that particular auction isin a state in which the instant auction feature is off. Notably, theseller could interact with the instant auction object as part of thelisting 820 and place the auction for the car into a real-time instantauction state. The auction management module 242 can transition theauction for the car from a static auction to a dynamic real-time instantauction and individuals would be notified as potential buyers to be ableto participate in the real-time auction. The auction management module242 can correlate user profile data about various individuals' preferredinformation on auctions and send out the notifications to such group ofusers. In one example, users that viewed the static auction or theprevious auction for the vehicle can be notified that based on theirpage view, they are getting a notice that the auction for that item isnow part of a real-time auction and give them an opportunity to enterinto the real-time auction.

In another aspect, a dynamic real-time auction can convert to a staticauction if a price is not high enough or if a quantity of items ininventory dwindles to a threshold value. The system can dynamicallyswitch states of the type of auction that is run, as well as otherfactors such as an acceptance price or a range, a timing of the auction,and so forth, based on such factors.

Listing 822 is for pocket watch and this listing by the seller is in areal-time auction state. The “now” indicator is highlighted indicatingthat the auction is currently live. A timing component indicates that 22minutes are left. Since this is a live auction, the data in the listing822 indicates that there are 6 bids waiting, meaning that there are 6individuals that have chosen to enter the live auction that need to bidon the pocket watch. The user from this interface can click on any ofthe listings and go to more details associated with that auction.Listings 824, 826 indicate other static auctions of the seller for acabinet in a dirt bike. Again, the user could transition the state ofthese auctions from a static condition to a real-time dynamic conditionwhich would cause the notices to go out to one or more potential buyersasking them to join the live auction.

In one aspect, since the interactions of the various participants in thereal-time, universal, integrated code base 203 are known and tracked,one aspect of this disclosure could be to enable a user to initiate astatic auction which would allow various users to view the page offeringthe item for sale. The system can then track the interactions of thepotential buyers after they are identified as somebody who has initiateda page view of an item for sale. That information could then be used asthe basis upon which to either automate or suggest to the seller thatthey should initiate a live auction. For example, if 100 people viewedthe listing 820 of the car for sale, and then a sufficient number ofthose people, based on a threshold such as 80%, engaged in otherinteractions within the rewards-based, universal, integrated code base203, such as active continued searching for similar vehicles, thenthrough a machine learning or artificial intelligence algorithm couldcause an action to be taken. For example, a machine learning model thatpredicts behavior could cause a live auction to be initiated. A manualselection by the potential seller could cause the static auction totransition to a real-time dynamic auction. The predictive model couldconclude that there is high enough interest level by those who viewedthe static auction of the vehicle that there is likely at least one ortwo or more potential buyers from that group.

FIG. 8C illustrates another user interface which can present aselectable object 828 which enables the user to start a new instantauction or to pick an existing listing. Note that this auction ispresented on a user interface which can be for a buyer or a seller.Anyone can be presented with the opportunity to participate in anauction. Assume in this case that the user selects the option to start anew instant auction. For example, in this case, assume that the chairthat is shown in the bottom left is selected for sale and the user hasindicated that they want to start a new instant auction associated withthe sale of this chair.

FIG. 8D illustrates the process of initiating a real-time instantauction. The user retrieves or takes an image of the item 830. The itemcan be in a data storage device as well. In one aspect, once the userinitiates an instant auction, the authorized user device 208 cantransition to a camera function so that the user can take a picture forthe video of the desired item. Or, the user can retrieve the item fromthe authorized user device 208 or from a data storage device operatingon the plurality of network-based servers 202. The seller provides data832 about the item and shipping arrangements, a price and a time frame.In the example shown, the real-time auction is indicated to run for 30minutes with an initial price or an asking price of $230. The user canthen click “go” to start the auction.

FIG. 8E illustrates a buyer user interface presented in response to anotice of the auction for the chair 830. Data is presented about theprice, shipping information, and a timing component having a timingobject that indicates 26 minutes left in the live auction 834. Dataabout the seller (Jake) can also be provided 836 with an option to readmore about the seller. Graphical objects 838 are presented to enable thepotential buyer to enter the live auction or to save for later. If theuser decides to save the auction for later, at some point in the futureanother notice may be presented indicating that there is a small amountof time such as 3 minutes which is left in the live auction. In anotheraspect, the user may simply be notified of the results of the auctionand the final sale price. Assume, however, that the user selects theenter live auction option to bid on the chair.

FIG. 8F illustrates the bidder user interface in which the bidder ispresented with a timing object 841 indicating how much time is left inthe live auction, and a bid field enabling them to enter a bid, which inthis case is $193. A keyboard 842 can be presented to enable user toenter data. The bidder then confirms the bid by interacting with agraphical object. Note that this bidder interface can be presented on aplurality of different authorized user devices 208 for bidders. Biddersare not notified of other bidders and only see their own bids andcounter offers from the seller. In one aspect, however, bidders might beapprised of bids offered from other bidders which might inform howaggressive the bidder might be in the real-time auction.

FIG. 8G illustrates a user interface for the seller in which data aboutthe current best offer and remaining time is illustrated 844 and aseries or listing of respective bids from bidders is presented. Thelisting 846, 848, 850, 852 each include data about the bidder and theirrespective bid and the respective selectable object to counter that bidwere to accept that bid. An option to counter all of the bids 854 isalso provided to the seller.

If the seller desires based on their view of all of the new bids tosimply send out an entirely new counter offer to all of the bidders,then the selectable object 854 is an option. However, selectable objects845 represent the respective selectable object associated with each bidin the list of bids such that the seller could select one or more of therespective bids and provide a group counter offer just to the subset ofbidders. Also, the seller may simply select the counter object in anyrespective listing of bids and counter that respective bid with acounter-offer. The seller may simply accept one of the offers based onthe highest price from the individual bidder or for any other reason. Ifand when the seller accepts an offer, the live auction is over and thesystem proceeds to enable a payment and shipping transaction between theseller and the buyer. When an acceptance of a bid either by a bidder orby the seller occurs, the auction is complete, the remaining orcurrently outstanding group of bidders each receive a notification thatthe auction is over and that they did not win the auction.

FIG. 8H illustrates a seller user interface for entering the bid backprice for a counter bid. The timing element 841 is presented and a bidfield 856 is shown for the seller to offer a new bid. An object 858 isprovided for the seller to confirm the bid back price. FIG. 8Iillustrates the respective bidder user interface in which their bid of$195 is shown as well as the seller's current bid of $210. The listing860 also presents the option for the bidder to counter where accept theseller's current bid of $210. The timing object of 25 minutes left inthe auction is also shown in this figure. FIG. 8J illustrates the sellerentering via the seller user interface 862 a counterbid of $199. Theseller confirms this bid via interaction with the confirmation object864.

FIG. 8K illustrates the seller user interface in which a listing 868 isprovided of the current status of the plurality of bidders. The listing868 shows the new bid of $195 from Josh. Other listings 870, 872illustrate other bids of $190 and $185 from other bidders. In thisexample, the selectable object 845 associated with Josh is highlightedand selected so that the seller can provide a bid back price for acounterbid just for that bidder. FIG. 8L illustrates the counterbid orbid back price of $204 and confirmed 878 by the seller. FIG. 8Millustrates the listing 880 of the counterbid of $204 by the seller tothe bidders previous or current bid of $195. Assume in this case thatthe bidder clicks on the accept object in the listing 882 to accept theseller's bid of $204. FIG. 8N illustrates a payment or checkout userdisplay for the bidder, who has now become the buyer, for the agreedupon price, delivery data and payment options.

This data can be presented in fields 882 and of course can be adjustableby the buyer. The sale and payment can occur in the context of therewards-based, universal, integrated code base 203 using a combinationof one or more of rewards earned while interacting with the ecosystem,fiat currency, cryptocurrency, or anything of value. Note that in thiscontext as well, that the user interface indicates that the buyer has acertain period of time such as 60 seconds to click on the checkoutobject 884 and confirm the sale or else the bid might be rejected by theseller. The purpose of this short time frame is to enable a quickcheckout and to encourage the buyer to complete the sale while thereal-time auction potentially continues until a final confirmation ofthe sale.

Furthermore, since the purchase occurred in the context of a real-timeauction, the seller might reject the bid if the purchase is notcompleted quickly by the buyer. If the buyer does not confirm the salevia the confirmation object 884, immediately or soon thereafter in thatscenario, the system can place the item back into the real-time auction.At this stage, other bidders do not know that a different bidder hadaccepted a bid from the seller and was in the checkout process. Thoseother bidders remain in the live auction until the buyer has confirmed884 the checkout payment process through interacting with thebidder/buyer user interface shown in FIG. 8N. FIG. 8O illustrates thebuyer confirming the sale, the costs, and the seller identification.Furthermore, data 887 is presented identifying that a certain paymentaccount was debited $204 for the purchase. This can be a rewards accountprovided to the buyer for their interactions within the ecosystem 202disclosed herein. The information 887 also indicates the final status ofthe sale, the seller, the buyer and other data as well as an indicationof how much of the sale was paid for in rewards from the user rewardsaccount and how much may have been paid for by debit or credit card orother fiat or cryptocurrency account.

In another aspect, when a bid is accepted and the payment or checkoutprocess is initiated as shown in FIG. 8N, the real-time auction for theother bidders could be suspended, or a notice could be presented ontheir user interfaces that the auction might resume shortly or thatthere is a current checkout process that has been initiated. Varioustypes of information can be presented. The goal, however, would be notto scare away current bidders if there is a checkout process in case thepurchase is not confirmed by the buyer. Thus, a preferred approach is tomaintain the real-time auction with other bidders until the payment isconfirmed for the buyer.

Methods according to the above-described examples can be implementedusing computer-executable instructions that are stored or otherwiseavailable from computer readable media. Such instructions can include,for example, instructions and data which cause or otherwise configure ageneral purpose computer, special purpose computer, or special purposeprocessing device to perform a certain function or group of functions.Portions of computer resources used can be accessible over a network. Acomputer system programmed with the algorithms disclosed herein orincorporated herein by reference are a special-purpose computer systemaccording to Patent Office Guidance. The computer executableinstructions may be, for example, binaries, intermediate formatinstructions such as assembly language, firmware, or source code.

Devices implementing methods according to these disclosures can includehardware, firmware and/or software, and can take any of a variety ofform factors. Typical examples of such form factors include laptops,smart phones, small form factor personal computers, personal digitalassistants, rackmount devices, standalone devices, and so on.Functionality described herein also can be embodied in peripherals oradd-in cards. Such functionality can also be implemented on a circuitboard among different chips or different processes executing in a singledevice, by way of further example.

The instructions, media for conveying such instructions, computingresources for executing them, and other structures for supporting suchcomputing resources are means for providing the functions described inthese disclosures.

The various illustrative logical blocks, modules, circuits, andalgorithm steps described in connection with the examples disclosedherein may be implemented as electronic hardware, computer software,firmware, or combinations thereof. To clearly illustrate thisinterchangeability of hardware and software, various illustrativecomponents, blocks, modules, circuits, and steps have been describedabove generally in terms of their functionality. Whether suchfunctionality is implemented as hardware or software depends upon theparticular application and design constraints imposed on the overallsystem. Skilled artisans may implement the described functionality invarying ways for each particular application, but such implementationdecisions should not be interpreted as causing a departure from thescope of the present application.

The techniques described herein may also be implemented in electronichardware, computer software, firmware, or any combination thereof. Suchtechniques may be implemented in any of a variety of devices such asgeneral purposes computers, wireless communication device handsets, orintegrated circuit devices having multiple uses including application inwireless communication device handsets and other devices. A device caninclude a computing device, a display, a microphone, and a video camerato carry out the video conferencing features described herein. As such,the device(s), when including these specific input/output components,are not generic computer processors but more specific hardware devices.Any features described as modules or components may be implementedtogether in an integrated logic device or separately as discrete butinteroperable logic devices. If implemented in software, the techniquesmay be realized at least in part by a computer-readable data storagemedium can include program code including instructions that, whenexecuted, performs one or more of the methods, algorithms, and/oroperations described above. The computer-readable data storage mediummay form part of a computer program product, which may include packagingmaterials.

The program code may be executed by a processor, which may include oneor more processors, such as one or more digital signal processors(DSPs), general purpose microprocessors, an application specificintegrated circuits (ASICs), field programmable logic arrays (FPGAs), orother equivalent integrated or discrete logic circuitry. Such aprocessor may be configured to perform any of the techniques describedin this disclosure. A general purpose processor may be a microprocessor;but in the alternative, the processor may be any conventional processor,controller, microcontroller, or state machine. A processor may also beimplemented as a combination of computing devices, e.g., a combinationof a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one ormore microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other suchconfiguration. Accordingly, the term “processor,” as used herein mayrefer to any of the foregoing structure, any combination of theforegoing structure, or any other structure or apparatus suitable forimplementation of the techniques described herein.

Although a variety of examples and other information was used to explainaspects within the scope of the appended claims, no limitation of theclaims should be implied based on particular features or arrangements insuch examples, as one of ordinary skill would be able to use theseexamples to derive a wide variety of implementations. For example, wherethe rewards-based, universal, integrated code base is mentioned in aclaim, it is required as a framework for that concept. However, wherethe rewards-based, universal, integrated code base is not required, theclaimed concept can occur within the standard application/Internetframework where applications are downloaded from an app store or usersaccess websites on the Internet in the traditional manner. Thus, therewards-based, universal, integrated code base is only required whereclaimed and any claim that does not include the rewards-based,universal, integrated code base is expressly broad enough to beapplicable outside the use of the rewards-based, universal, integratedcode base. Further and although some subject matter may have beendescribed in language specific to examples of structural features and/ormethod steps, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined inthe appended claims is not necessarily limited to these describedfeatures or acts. For example, such functionality can be distributeddifferently or performed in components other than those identifiedherein. Rather, the described features and steps are disclosed asexamples of components of systems and methods within the scope of theappended claims.

Claim language reciting “at least one of” a set indicates that onemember of the set or multiple members of the set satisfy the claim. Forexample, claim language reciting “at least one of A and B” means A, B,or A and B.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method comprising: receiving, from aninteraction with a seller user interface of a seller authorized userdevice, an indication that a seller using the seller authorized userdevice desires to start a real-time auction, wherein the seller userinterface presents a platform associated with a top level username ofthe seller, the platform operating on a rewards-based, universal,integrated code base with a plurality of other platforms; receiving,from the seller, an identification of a product or service for sale inthe real-time auction; receiving, from the seller, a selection of aprice and a length of time the real-time auction is to run; receiving,from a bidder interacting with a bidder authorized user device, arequest to enter the real-time auction, wherein the bidder authorizeduser device is authorized to participate in the rewards-based,universal, integrated code base; presenting, based on the request toenter the real-time auction, a bidder user interface on the bidderauthorized user device, the bidder user interface having a bid field anda timing object associated with the length of time; receiving a bid fromthe bidder in the bid field of the bidder user interface; presenting, onthe seller user interface of the seller authorized user device, alisting of the bid from the bidder and other bids from other bidders, ifany, to yield one or more bidder object, wherein each bidder object ofthe one or more bidder object comprises a respective seller counterobject and a respective seller accept object; receiving, from the selleruser interface, when the seller selects the respective seller counterobject, a seller bid back price in response to the bid from the bidderand bids from the other bidders, if any, wherein the seller bid backprice is associated with a user selection of one or more of the bidderand other bidders; transmitting to the bidder authorized user device andeach respective other bidder authorized user device, if any, the sellerbid back price and the timing object and a respective bidder counterobject and a respective bidder accept object; when one of the bidder orthe other bidders interacts with the respective accept bidder object ontheir respective bidder authorized user device or respective otherbidder authorized user device to yield a buyer, completing a sale of theproduct or service from the seller to the buyer; when none of the bidderor the other bidders interacts with the respective bidder accept object,and when the method comprises receiving one or more bidder counter backbids from the bidder or the other bidders, presenting the one or morebidder counter back bids on the seller authorized user device; and whenthe seller accepts a respective bidder counter back bid from the one ormore bidder counter back bids on the seller authorized user device toyield the buyer, completing the sale of the product or service from theseller to the buyer.
 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising, basedon the indication, causing a camera function to become active on theseller authorized user device to obtain a photo of the product orservice.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein receiving, from the seller,the identification of the product or service for sale in the real-timeauction further comprises the seller taking a picture of the product orservice and providing a description and shipping terms for the productor service.
 4. The method of claim 1, further comprising a plurality ofbidders bidding for the product or service.
 5. The method of claim 1,wherein a payment from the buyer to the seller for the product orservice is made using rewards earned by the buyer by interacting withplatforms operating on the rewards-based, universal, integrated codebase.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the seller authorized userdevice and the bidder authorized user device each have an accesscomponent which enables the seller authorized user device and the bidderauthorized user device to access the rewards-based, universal,integrated code base and interact with the platforms operating on therewards-based, universal, integrated code base.
 7. The method of claim1, wherein receiving, from the seller user interface, the seller bidback price in response to the bid from the bidder and bids from theother bidders, further comprises the seller identifying the seller bidback price for all of a current set of bidders.
 8. The method of claim1, wherein receiving, from the seller user interface, the seller bidback price in response to the bid from the bidder and bids from theother bidders, further comprises the seller identifying a subset ofbidders from a current set of bidders to which the seller bid back pricewill be presented.
 9. A method comprising: receiving, from aninteraction with a seller user interface of a seller authorized userdevice, an indication that the seller desires to start a real-timeauction, wherein the seller user interface presents a platformassociated with a top level username of the seller, the platformoperating on a rewards-based, universal, integrated code base with aplurality of other platforms; receiving, from the seller, anidentification of a product or service for sale in the real-timeauction; receiving, from the seller, a selection of a price for theproduct or service; receiving, from a respective bidder of a pluralityof bidders, each respective bidder interacting with a respective bidderauthorized user device, a respective request to enter the real-timeauction, wherein each respective bidder authorized user device isauthorized to participate in the rewards-based, universal, integratedcode base; presenting, based on the respective request to enter thereal-time auction, a respective bidder user interface on the respectivebidder authorized user device, the respective bidder user interfacehaving a respective bid field and a respective timing object; receivinga respective bid from the respective bidder in the respective bid fieldof the respective bidder user interface; presenting on the seller userinterface of the seller authorized user device, a listing of therespective bid for each respective bidder, wherein each respective bidin the listing comprises a respective seller counter object and arespective seller accept object for the seller to select if desired;when the seller accepts one bid from the listing of the respective bidfor each respective bidder to yield a buyer, completing a sale of theproduct or service to the buyer; and when the seller does not accept anybid from the listing of the respective bid for each respective bidder,the method further comprises: receiving, from the seller and on theseller user interface, a seller bid back price in response to thelisting of the respective bid for each respective bidder; iteratingbetween a current seller bid back price being received and transmittedto currently remaining bidder authorized user devices and a currentbidder bid back price being received and transmitted to the sellerauthorized user device until either the seller accepts the currentbidder bid back price or one of the respective bidders associated withthe currently remaining bidder authorized user devices accepts thecurrent seller bid back price; and based on an acceptance by the selleror the buyer from the respective bidders associated with the currentlyremaining bidder authorized user devices of the sale of the product orservice, completing the sale of the product or service from the sellerto the buyer.
 10. The method of claim 9, further comprising receivingfrom the seller a length of time the real-time auction is to run, thelength of time reflected in the respective timing object.
 11. The methodof claim 9, wherein the iterating between a current seller bid backprice being received and transmitted to currently remaining bidderauthorized user devices and a current bidder bid back price beingreceived and transmitted to the seller authorized user device occursuntil a time limit chosen by the seller has passed for the real-timeauction.
 12. A system comprising: a plurality of network-based computerservers; a plurality of authorized user devices; and a rewards-based,universal, integrated code base operating across the plurality ofnetwork-based computer servers for use by the plurality of user devices;an auction management module operating on the rewards-based, universal,integrated code base, wherein the auction management module isconfigured to perform operations comprising: receiving, from aninteraction with a seller user interface of a seller authorized userdevice of the plurality of authorized user devices, an indication that aseller desires to start a real-time auction; receiving, from the sellerauthorized user device, an identification of a product or service forsale in the real-time auction; receiving, from the seller authorizeduser device, a selection of a price and a length of time the real-timeauction is to run; receiving, from a bidder authorized user deviceassociated with a bidder, a request to enter the real-time auction,wherein the bidder authorized user device is authorized to participatein the rewards-based, universal, integrated code base; presenting, basedon the request to enter the real-time auction, a bidder user interfaceon the bidder authorized user device, the bidder user interface having abid field and a timing object; receiving a bid from the bidder in thebid field of the bidder user interface; presenting on the seller userinterface of the seller authorized user device, a listing of the bidfrom the bidder and other bids from other bidders, if any, to yield oneor more bidder object, wherein each bidder object of the one or morebidder object comprises a respective seller counter object and arespective seller accept object; receiving, from the seller and on theseller user interface, a seller bid back price in response to the bidfrom the bidder and bids from the other bidders, if any, wherein theseller bid back price is associated with a user-selectable one or moreof the bidder and other bidders; transmitting to the bidder authorizeduser device and each respective other bidder authorized user device, ifany, the seller bid back price and the timing object and a respectivebidder counter object and a respective bidder accept object; when one ofthe bidder or the other bidders interacts with the respective bidderaccept object on their respective bidder authorized user device orrespective other bidder authorized user device to yield a buyer,completing a sale of the product or service from the seller to thebuyer; when none of the bidder or the other bidders interacts with therespective bidder accept object, and when the method comprises receivingone or more bidder counter back bids from the bidder or the otherbidders, presenting the one or more bidder counter back bids on theseller authorized user device; when the seller accepts a respectivebidder counter back bid from the one or more bidder counter back bids onthe seller authorized user device to yield the buyer, completing thesale of the product or service from the seller to the buyer.
 13. Thesystem of claim 12, wherein the auction management module performsoperations further comprising, based on the indication, causing a camerafunction to become active on the seller authorized user device to obtaina photo of the product or service.
 14. The system of claim 12, whereinreceiving, from the seller, the identification of the product or servicefor sale in the real-time auction further comprises the seller taking apicture of the product or service and providing a description andshipping terms for the product or service.
 15. The system of claim 12,further comprising a plurality of bidders bidding for the product orservice.
 16. The system of claim 12, wherein a payment from the buyer tothe seller for the product or service is made using rewards earned bythe buyer by interacting with platforms operating on the rewards-based,universal, integrated code base.
 17. The system of claim 12, wherein theauthorized user device and the bidder authorized user device each havean access component which enables the authorized user device and thebidder authorized user device to access the rewards-based, universal,integrated code base and interact with the platforms operating no therewards-based, universal, integrated code base.
 18. The system of claim12, wherein receiving, from the seller and on the seller user interface,the seller bid back price in response to the bid from the bidder andbids from the other bidders, further comprises the seller identifyingthe seller bid back price for all of a current set of bidders.
 19. Thesystem of claim 12, wherein receiving, from the seller and on the selleruser interface, the seller bid back price in response to the bid fromthe bidder and bids from the other bidders, further comprises the selleridentifying a subset of bidders from a current set of bidders to whichthe seller bid back price will be presented.
 20. The system of claim 12,wherein the seller and the bidder or the other bidders can interact withthe auction from a state associated with any platform or location thatis a currently active state for the bidder, the other bidders or theseller in the rewards-based, universal, integrated code base.
 21. Anauthorized user device comprising: a processor; an access componentenabling the authorized user device to communication with a plurality ofnetwork-based computer servers that operate a rewards-based, universal,integrated code base for use by the authorized user device and aplurality of other authorized user devices; and a bidder user interfaceoperating on the authorized user device, the bidder user interface beingtransmitted to the authorized user device from an auction managementmodule operating on the rewards-based, universal, integrated code baseand comprising at least a timing object and a bid field, wherein theauthorized user device is configured to perform operations comprising:transmitting, from a respective bidder of a plurality of bidders, therespective bidder interacting with the authorized user device, a requestto enter a real-time auction, wherein a seller using a seller authorizeduser device initiated the real-time auction by identifying a product ora service for sale, a price and a length of time the auction is to run,the length of time being indicated in the timing object on the bidderuser interface; transmitting, to the auction management module operatingon the rewards-based, universal, integrated code base, a bid from thebidder in the bid field of the bidder user interface, wherein a selleruser interface of a seller authorized user device presents a listing ofthe bid for the bidder and other bids of other bidders, wherein eachrespective bid in the listing comprises a respective seller counterobject and a respective seller accept object for the seller to select ifdesired; when the seller does not accept any bid from the listing of thebid for the bidder and other bids of other bidders, receiving andpresenting, on the bidder user interface, a seller bid back price,wherein the auction management module iterates between a current sellerbid back price being received and transmitted to currently remainingbidder authorized user devices and a current bidder bid back price beingreceived and transmitted to the seller authorized user device untileither the seller accepts the current bidder bid back price or one ofthe respective bidders associated with the currently remaining bidderauthorized user devices accepts the current seller bid back price; andwhen the bidder accepts the current seller bid back price to convert thebidder to a buyer, completing a sale of the product or service from theseller to the buyer utilizing a payment process applying one or more ofearned rewards by the buyer by interacting with platforms in therewards-based, universal, integrated code base, fiat currency orcryptocurrency.